Research Data Analyst
The Research Data Analyst at Confidential Client's Center for Transportation Studies supports the Accessibility Observatory by conducting spatial data analysis, developing digital tools for data communication, and managing research projects related to transportation and land use planning. The role involves delivering analysis projects, creating interactive visualization tools, communicating findings to diverse stakeholders, and contributing to program management and business development activities.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Higher Education.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client’s research program focused on destination-access and transportation planning is hiring a Research Data Analyst to support data analysis, tool development, communication, and program administration. Typical responsibilities include:
- 40% — Data analysis: process and analyze spatially explicit datasets on access to destinations; build and maintain scripts and software for geospatial analysis; generate maps, statistics, and summaries aligned to research questions; respond to data requests and keep research records organized.
- 30% — Tools for spatial data communication: design and develop static and interactive data visualizations and digital tools to share large datasets and derived maps/statistics for external partners and the public; evaluate software choices and iteratively develop tools with stakeholders; produce documentation and tutorials.
- 15% — Communication & outreach: translate complex findings for transportation planners, policymakers, researchers, students, and the public; present results at conferences and agency meetings; support business development by identifying funding opportunities and facilitating external partnerships.
- 10% — Administration & project management: contribute to program planning, tracking, and process development; use project and software management tools; support staffing and assignment coordination as needed.
- 5% — Other center activities: support center-wide initiatives and special projects as requested.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (Geography, Engineering, Urban Planning, Analytics, Data Science, Statistics, Biology, Ecology, or related field) plus 2 years of relevant experience — or equivalent combination of education and experience totaling 6 years.
- Demonstrated experience working with spatial data and producing reproducible analysis.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain detailed records for research projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a related field and at least two years supporting transportation or land-use research projects.
- Experience with version control and collaborative software development workflows (e.g., Git, GitHub).
- Proficiency with geospatial and data tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, Python, R, and SQL databases.
- Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS or Azure) and managing large datasets.
- Experience producing data visualizations and interactive tools for external partner use.
- Demonstrated resilience, curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a collaborative research environment.
Compensation & Appointment
- Pay Range: $31.25/hr - $35.58/hr (depending on education, qualifications, and experience).
- Time Appointment: 100% (Full-time, Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff).
- Work Profile: may be designated as Profile 1–4 (on-site to fully remote) with on-campus workspace provided as appropriate.
Benefits
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
- Professional development and tuition benefit opportunities.
- Multiple low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans; HSA contributions.
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
- Employee wellbeing programs and Employee Assistance Program with counseling sessions.
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution and access to financial counseling.
- Public transit pass options (where available) and other local transportation supports.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility where applicable.
Additional Information & Employment Requirements
- This position will report to the director of the research program and work as part of a small team of professional staff and graduate research assistants.
- Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists.
- Confidential Client values diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from a variety of backgrounds and identities. Reasonable accommodations for the hiring process are available upon request.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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