Research Analyst

Job Summary:

The Research Analyst role is essential for supporting and elevating the Board of Certification’s research initiatives and overall effectiveness by strengthening its capacity to conduct high-quality, data-driven research.

• Supports the design, development, and implementation of BOC research studies.
• Prepares and manages the integrity of research data, both quantitative and qualitative, for quality assessment, analysis, and interpretation.
• Assists in the dissemination of research findings into reports, manuscripts, posters, presentations, and other scholarly or organizational products.
• Assists in the management of research timelines, deliverables, documentation, and coordination across concurrent projects.
• Supports the development and validation of surveys, assessments, and other research instruments.
• Supports research findings and dissemination through data visualizations.
• Supports the Examination Excellence team through developing annual examination summary reports. 
• Collaborates effectively and efficiently with the Senior Manager of Psychometrics and Research, BOC team members, volunteers, and other stakeholders.

Special Characteristics:

Ability to work independently and as a team member. Exceptional communication skills. Strong technical writing skills. Organized, detail-oriented, able to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines as needed. Proficient in computer skills for communication, data analysis, and database management.  

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conducts comprehensive literature reviews and synthesizes relevant literature.
• Identifies relevant theories, instruments, methodologies, and gaps in existing research.
• Assists in developing research questions and hypotheses and identifying the appropriate methodologies and analytical strategies.
• Assists in developing and refining survey questions and identifying validated instruments.
• Programs survey instruments into survey software and conducts quality checks to ensure accuracy and functionality.
• Manages and validates large datasets, including but not limited to data entry, cleaning and restructuring datasets, and merging datasets from multiple sources for quality assessment and analysis purposes.
• Assists in conducting descriptive and inferential statistical analyses (ANOVA, regression, t-tests, etc.) and other relevant methods as required using SPSS.
• Interprets statistical results in relation to research questions and collaborates with BOC team members to determine appropriate conclusions.
• Prepares tables, figures, and other data visualizations for manuscripts, posters, presentations, and summary reports using Excel and Tableau.
• Prepares annual examination summary reports using Tableau.
• Works with Tableau Developer on data visualization duties as assigned. 
• Supports the design and implementation of qualitative research studies, including interviews and focus groups, qualitative data collection, and analysis.
• Tracks research timelines, milestones, and deliverables; maintains project documentation.
• Coordinates research-related activities, communication/meetings, and associated logistics with BOC team members, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
• Identifies opportunities for new research ideas and facilitates the operationalization of ideas into actionable projects.
• Considers the utility of best practices for data management and data analysis, and a sensible approach to research conclusions
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of controlled documents for research and data analysis. 
• Performs administrative duties as assigned.
• Assists with other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Passionate and proactive about research; possesses a strong sense of curiosity about data, research questions and ideas.
• Strong understanding of statistical and research concepts.
• Proficient in SPSS or other statistical software for data cleaning and analysis.
• Working knowledge of Tableau for data visualizations and summary reports.
• Demonstrates effective time management and organizational skills to manage multiple projects with time-sensitive components.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills necessary to organize, structure, and communicate information and ideas clearly.
• Utilizes proper grammar and vocabulary in both verbal and written usage. 
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and analytical ability to evaluate and ensure accuracy.
• Ability to identify problems, consider alternatives, consult with peers, and implement solutions.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member. 
• Ability to be punctual and reliable.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of database management systems.

Education and Experience: 

• Baccalaureate degree in the social sciences, statistics, data analytics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in an applied research setting.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience conducting data analysis, working with large and complex datasets, and survey programming. 
• Minimum of 1 year of experience using Tableau for data visualizations.

Equal Opportunity Employer:/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veteran