Research Analyst

Job Category

Job Profile

Job Title

Department

Compensation Range

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Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Description Summary

The Planning, Analytics, and Institutional Research Office (PAIR) provides leadership and direction to enhance the coordination of institutional data and analysis across the UBC system, providing optimal support to UBC executive, Faculties, staff, government and to external partners. The PAIR office leverages data and analytics to guide university-wide planning and decision-making, to support integrated university planning, to strengthen student learning and experiences, and to promote a deeper understanding of the nature and quality of education at UBC.
 
The Research Analyst will plan, design, conduct and implement major research projects concerning student enrolment, institutional activity, surveys, and data exchanges for the University, interpret results and make formal presentations. Assignments will include university modeling, enrolment forecasting, multi-year planning, and initiating support studies. The position requires the ability to solve complex problems, to co-ordinate the activities of others, and to communicate effectively both in speech and in writing.

Under the direction of the Research & Analytics Leads and the Associate Directors, the Research Analyst provides analytical guidance to the executive officers, Deans, Directors, and the community, in aid of planning, policy formulation, and decision-making activities. In addition to the contributions to the policy-making discussions and decisions, the analyst's work will need to meet the requirements of government bodies and collaborate in presenting proposals that will inform the integration of reporting for the university. Assignments will include deploying surveys, university modeling, enrolment forecasting, multi-year planning, and initiating support studies. The position requires the ability to solve complex problems, handle highly sensitive data, co-ordinate the work of Data and Reporting Analysts and student staff, and communicate effectively both in speech and in writing. The Research Analyst will actively demonstrate the PAIR team’s commitment to service, quality, integrity, and collaboration, fostering a culture of excellence in data analysis and reporting.

Organizational Status

This position has a functional reporting line to the Research & Analytics Lead while engaging in collaborative, project-specific reporting and responsibilities as defined by the Research & Analytics Leads and Associate Directors. This position operates within a project-based matrix structure. Under the direction of the Research & Analytics Lead(s), the Research Analyst may work on their own or participate in projects as part of a team of analysts.

This position interacts with other office staff, administrative staff from other units, students, and Faculty members, , senior academic officers including  Deans, Directors, Department Heads, and representatives of other universities, units within the provincial government reporting teams, representatives of the Research University Council of BC, U15 Data Exchange, and other higher education and university-related organizations.

Work Performed

• Develop, design, and deliver data analysis and reports to support institutional initiatives, including enrolment forecasting, performance indicators, tuition modeling, and department profiles.

• Lead research projects, including planning, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Manage and maintain datasets and ensure data integrity across reporting systems.

• Conduct benchmarking and inter-university comparisons to identify best practices and support decision-making.

• Design, develop, and implement dashboards and visualizations for effective communication of complex data insights.

• Collaborate with university departments and government representatives to establish data protocols and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Provide guidance and support to project teams and stakeholders on data-related needs.

• Manage survey research projects, including survey design, deployment, analysis, and reporting in collaboration with the UBC community.

• Translate policy questions into actionable research and produce evidence-based recommendations.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of data systems to enhance institutional research capabilities.

• Provide guidance to Deans, Directors, and the community to provide advice with respect to meeting obligations of the Senate Policy on Student Experience of Instruction.

• Stay updated on emerging methodologies and practices in institutional research and higher education analytics.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Research Analyst, given initial parameters, is expected to independently plan and execute projects, obtain data, and conduct analyses with some direction but minimal supervision. Outputs are reviewed by Research & Analytics Leads and/or Associate Directors and inform key policy, planning and resource allocation decisions. Errors in analysis, reporting, or judgment could have significant consequences, including misinformed policy decisions, financial losses, and reputational damage. The Research Analyst must ensure the accuracy and reliability of all outputs to maintain trust in the institution's data and reporting.

Supervision Received

This position works under the direction of the Research & Analytics Leads and general guidance of the Associate Directors. The incumbent is expected to work independently on assigned tasks and projects while maintaining open communication with supervisors.

Supervision Given

May provide guidance and direction to Data & Reporting Analysts or student employees as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Post graduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of four years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

-Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

-Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a focus on social science research or quantitative analysis preferred.  Four years of experience in research, data analysis, or related fields, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, SAS, STATA) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau). Knowledge of SQL, relational databases, and survey deployment tools (e.g., Qualtrics, Explorance Blue) is an asset. Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights and communicate findings effectively to diverse audiences. Experience with higher education data systems and familiarity with university policies. Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills. Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.  Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and within cross-functional projects.