Data Analyst - Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC)

Competition 2332

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of one year plus a day and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page.

Location - This role is in person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Faculty of Nursing

Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC) is a research program in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta. TREC is a pan-Canadian and international program of applied research. It functions in an integrated knowledge translation or partnered model. We have long-standing relationships with stakeholders, end users, policy makers, and our citizen advisory group. Additional information about the TREC research program is available at the following URL: https//trecresearch.ca/.

Working as a Data Analyst

TREC is a complex research program in the Faculty of Nursing of the University of Alberta. We currently hold over $8 million in active grants totalling from national and provincial granting agencies and the Government of Alberta. Our team comprises a variety of staff, Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Associates, Research Assistants and trainees. We also work closely with investigators and collaborators across Canada and around the world. Decision makers at the senior regional health level and in provincial government are also members of our team.

We are looking for a passionate Data Analyst who is both analytical and resourceful to join our Data Unit team. TREC data are gathered using a variety of methods such as surveys, interviews, non-participant observation and longitudinal administrative resident (patient) data. Working under the TREC Data Manager, the Data Analyst will be responsible primarily for assisting with data analyses and the interpretation of datasets. They will also contribute actively to data management, quality control, the creation of metadata, and data documentation.

Duties 

The Data Analyst is responsible for data processing and analysis related to TREC’s current research projects, contributing to research outputs, and actively participating in data management, quality control, and data documentation.

The Data Analyst in TREC also:

• Prepares detailed analytic plans in conjunction with TREC investigators;
• Analyzes data using basic and advanced statistical methods such as analysis of variance, non-parametric alternatives, multivariate, pattern, time series, longitudinal, and multilevel modeling;
• Interprets and clearly communicates results verbally and in writing;
• Generates tables, graphs, and charts for publications and presentations;
• Writes and edits selected methodological and statistical content for manuscripts and abstracts;
• Contributes to data documentation (i.e., metadata) and prepares data for analysis (e.g., cleaning, editing and quality control) in consultation with the Data Unit Manager;
• Aggregates, merges, links and reshapes data as needed for ongoing analyses;
• Assists with the establishment and management of data file structures and data management systems;
• Assists with grant and journal writing as necessary; and,
• Assists with continuing education within TREC related to statistical methods, data analysis, etc.

Qualifications

• An MSc or equivalent in Mathematics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, or a related health sciences discipline; a PhD is an asset.
• Experience in applied health services research and use of large databases is essential.
• Strong knowledge of statistics and experience using SAS for programming and analyzing datasets are essential.
• Expertise in basic and advanced statistical methods (e.g., analysis of variance, non-parametric alternatives, multivariate modeling including multi-level techniques, time series analysis, longitudinal modeling, structural equation modeling, classification techniques) are essential.
• Technical expertise regarding data models, database design development, and data mining are essential.
• Knowledge of data life cycles is essential.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-finding, resolution, and documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. The incumbent will be required to communicate effectively with both investigators and staff team members; demonstrated communication, interpersonal skills, and team player skills are required.
• Strong competencies in the current MS Office suite.
• Knowledge of and experience with reporting packages, databases (e.g. SQL), and programming (Python and R).
• Strong analytical skills using SPSS, SAS and/or STATA preferred.
• Experience with the lnter-RAI MDS 2.0 data is an asset.
• Capacity to multitask and prioritize effectively, to work extremely well to tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.