CTRS Research Operations and Data Analytics Specialist

Job Title: CTRS Research Operations and Data Analytics Specialist
Job Classification Title: Research Professional 3 - Data Analytics
Job Code & Class: 8353DA

Overview

Join a collaborative team where your skills in data and workflow optimization will make a real impact on our operational efficiency supporting research services designed to meet investigators where they are. If you're passionate about using data and streamlined processes to make a tangible impact, this is the place for you. Through innovative thinking, CTRS works to reduce delays, simplify complex processes, and bring key stakeholders together to support researchers.

As the Research Operations and Data Analytics Specialist, you'll help streamline workflows, optimize tools like Smartsheet, and turn data into insights that drive discovery. The role requires a strong blend of data management, analysis, and communication skills to help streamline research operations, optimize workflows and translate data into insights that showcase the value and impact of our work. You'll grow in a supportive environment, connect with colleagues across CTSI, and see the direct results of your work in advancing research that improves health.
We're looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, thrives in a collaborative setting, and is excited about using data and workflows to advance our operational effectiveness that makes a difference.

This role is part of Clinical Translational Research Services (CTRS) within the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), which provides key research support services and infrastructure to the University of Minnesota research community.

Work Arrangements

This position follows UMN Work. With Flexibility. guidelines. Currently, the position is a 40 hrs/wk, 1.0FTE primarily working from home, with in-office days as needed (average once per week). There may be occasional needs to be on campus and over time there may be a need to set a regular schedule for more days on campus each week. Work hours should follow a regular schedule with flexibility between 7-5, M-F.

Duties/Responsibilities

Operational Database Management, Integration and Analysis (60%)

• Project and Operations Support: Initiate the development, management, and evaluation of data projects, guaranteeing flawless coordination and execution.
• Database Management: Design and maintain databases and collaborative platforms that are essential for department operations and team workflows (i.e., Smartsheet, RedCap).
• Data Integration and Analysis: Establish and manage a centralized approach to streamline data capture and analysis, which includes building real-time dashboards and comprehensive reporting processes for our teams (e.g. Clinical Research Support Center). Take ownership of cleaning and organizing data from various sources (e.g., Tableau, RedCap, OnCore) and independently analyze trends, patterns, and anomalies in operational data to provide insights for decision-making.
• Data Automation: Drive the implementation of data automation to streamline reporting processes and reduce manual effort.
• Data Visualization and Communication: Craft professional and visually appealing presentations, infographics, and custom reports (e.g., using PowerPoint) to clearly communicate complex data and metrics to different stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Serve as a key liaison with CTRS teams and other CTSI cores to integrate data initiatives and optimize workflows, fostering collaborations and supporting annual reporting. Proactively provide data and insights for cross-functional teams to support strategic decision-making, and collaborate with HST or technical teams to resolve technical issues. Develop and implement shared workspaces and workflow automations within Smartsheet (or similar platforms) to enable efficient task tracking, cross-team communication, and progress reporting.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all data reporting activities comply with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Data Integrity and Documentation: Ensure data accuracy through regular checks and validations. Maintain detailed records of reports and analysis methodologies.
• Continuous Process Improvement: Update and improve data management systems and approach to enhance accessibility, usability, efficiency and quality.

Operational Project Management and Support (30%)

• Project Coordination: Take ownership of day-to-day ongoing management of assigned projects.
• Standardized Workflows: Designing and implementation of standardized workflows to manage projects, track milestones, and facilitate cross-functional coordination. The role requires problem-solving unexpected issues on assigned projects.
• Documentation and Feedback: Development and management of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), working instructions, guidelines, and FAQs for operational processes. The specialist is also responsible for consolidating, organizing, and summarizing feedback and questions related to assigned projects and initiatives.
• Benchmarking and Training: Gathering data from other CTSA hubs for benchmarking and comparative projects to keep CTRS at the forefront of best practices in clinical and translational research.
• Cross-team Collaboration: Actively collaborate with team members to develop materials for training, demos, user guides and FAQs for assigned projects and initiatives.
• Community Building: As a member of the CTRS Operations team, work with all CTSI partners and staff to cultivate a community of research excellence and efficiency across the University.

Special Projects (10%)

• Assume special projects and other duties, as assigned.

All required qualification must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS with at least four years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years.
• Experience with data management and reporting.
• Proficiency in computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Google Suite (Gmail, Docs, Forms, Sites, and Sheets)).
• Experience with data and collaboration/workflow management platforms (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana, Trello, REDCap).
• Project and time management skills - the ability to work efficiently, effectively & autonomously in a remote or hybrid capacity.
• Experience managing a complex and diverse work portfolio.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with data architecture.
• Experience designing and implementing collaborative workflows, dashboards, and automated processes in Smartsheet or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to find trends, patterns and anomalies in data.
• Experience presenting data insights clearly, both verbally and visually.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both as a part of a team and individually.
• Self-starter with demonstrated willingness both to take initiative and to pitch in.
• Experience working across multiple departments and/or stakeholder groups.
• Experience training staff on the effective use of Smartsheet or other workflow/collaborations tools.
• Proven strong interpersonal and collaborative skills and ability to build strong relationships across teams.

Preferred Exposure To:

• Research pre/post award administration.
• Clinical research.
• University of Minnesota Systems (e.g. Ethos, OnCore, Peoplesoft, Tableau, CTR-Portal).

The University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) mission is to accelerate and improve clinical and translational science research, education and improve health. CTSI provides consultation, training, support, and services to researchers and research teams across the translational continuum. CTSI is part of the national, NIH-funded Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) program/consortium that works together to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of clinical and translational research and science.

Pay Range: $85,250-$95,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).