Data Analyst, School of Public Policy

Description

The School of Public Policy is currently seeking a Full-time Staff Limited Term Data Analyst for approximately 1 year.

Housed at the School of Public Policy, the Simpson Centre focuses on the numerous social and economic factors that facilitate the success of Canadian agri-food and agri-business. The goal is to make the Simpson Centre a locus of Canadian research that strengthens and supports the growth and sustainability of agri-food and agri-business - especially in western Canada.

This position reports to the Director of the Simpson Centre, and contributes to research focused social, and economic policy at SPP. It normally involves working Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week with occasional work outside of regular hours as well as potential travel within Canada.

The position will primarily be conducted working from home, although will also involve some visits to the Downtown Campus of the University of Calgary when public health orders permit. The successful candidate for this role will be capable of complex work requiring an ability to code in Python and R, as well as to perform applied machine learning for textual analysis.

The Data Analyst will provide much needed additional capacity for projects requiring our team manage and produce novel insights into large data sets. The main purpose of this role is to have someone capable of analyzing these data sets and providing supporting data to team members tasked with communicating these findings. They will work with a team of faculty members with expertise in topics (Health, defense, food) as well as discipline (policy, computer science)

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Writing code in Python and R for the purposes of deriving insights into data sets.
• Undertakes quantitative analysis of a range of policy issues in health policy, security and defence.
• Organizes time effectively so that coding and analysis are produced by set deadlines that support overall project timelines.
• Works independently and applies analytical skills for the collection, formatting and analysis of data, including comparing and/or validating results with established literature.
• Provides technical expertise to other team researchers, which may include research assistants and student researchers.
• Follows set guidelines for completion of data analysis but may advise on and recommend changes to research methods.
• Data analysis involves basic spreadsheet analysis, as well as graphic representation of conclusions and results.
• Results assessment undertakes a careful and insightful evaluation and interpretation of all analytical results.
• Collaborates regularly and closely with the Simpson Centre team members (i.e., participation in project meetings and brainstorming sessions) as required to conduct research, obtain and verify results, and to assist research-related outreach activities associated with the research division.
• Interacts frequently with internal and external stakeholders in the area of research to maintain strong working relationships and ensure that research is conducted in a timely manner. This includes gathering information and also to share research findings with stakeholders as needed.
• Presents research and findings to interested parties (i.e. presentations at conferences and workshops, media communications).
• Updating and/or maintaining external communications (email correspondence and project website).
• Regularly contributes to collaborative research projects.
• Supports the development of academic publications, and particularly The School of Public Policy Publications.
• Undertakes qualitative and quantitative analysis of a range of policy issues in the area of food and health policy. This includes research question definition, review of the relevant literature, data gathering, application of appropriate theory and empirical analysis, development.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Have been awarded a graduate degree in a related field (political science, computer science, economics, public policy, etc.) with a focus on data analytics.
• Have 1-3 years of experience in in data management, project management or a related role.
• The ability to perform coding in Python and R.
• The ability to perform applied machine learning for textual analysis.
• The ability to perform data visualization with power BI and/or Tableau.
• A promising record of scholarship in the area of data analytics and public policy.
• Excellent communication skills with the proven ability to work co-operatively in a research team; and have previous research experience, preferably in a team setting. 

Application Deadline:  October 9, 2024.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.