Department
POLIS (IN-POLI-IUINA)
Department Information
The Polis Center is an applied research center at Indiana University (IU) Indianapolis in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Polis makes data actionable for improving community health, equity, and resilience. We build and use information technology and geographically specific data across a variety of domains and sectors to identify and address our communitys most pressing challenges including housing stability, public health, and economic resilience. We are a convener and connector, collaborating with community and academic partners to translate data and research into action. We build capacity in nonprofits, community-based organizations, government, and researchers to use these resources effectively for community good.
From inception, The Polis Center has been guided by core values that include making a difference, collaboration, developing creative solutions to real-world problems, accountability, integrity, respect, and stewardship. We emphasize clarity of roles and shared accountability so that team members can work effectively and independently in service of community based research. Our team is passionate about the work we do, and we love working together. The Polis Center places great value on a positive work/life balance.
Job Summary
The Research Data Analyst performs quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and management in support of community-facing applied research initiatives.This position works collaboratively with faculty, researchers, staff, and community partners to support project planning, data collection, reporting, and project implementation.
Department-Specific Responsibilities
- Conducts quantitative and qualitative data analysis using established research methods and analytical techniques
- Cleans, validates, organizes, and prepares datasets for analysis and reporting
- Produces statistical summaries, tables, charts, maps, dashboards, and other data visualizations that support research and decision-making
- Assists with literature reviews, project planning, and interpretation of findings
- Supports applied research projects by applying appropriate analytical approaches to meet project objectives
- Maintains accurate, organized, and well-documented datasets and supporting documentation
- Performs quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency
- Documents analytical workflows, data sources, and methodologies to support reproducibility
- Identifies data quality issues and implements appropriate corrective actions
- Follows organizational standards for data governance, security, and confidentiality.
- Collaborates with faculty, researchers, staff, and community partners to support applied research and community projects
- Participates in project meetings and communicate project status, analytical findings, and data needs
- Responds to requests for research data, reports, and visualizations within established timelines
- Coordinates assigned analytical tasks with project team members while managing competing priorities and project deadlines
- May supervise and mentor data analysis student workers
- Prepares written summaries, technical reports, presentations, and visualizations for internal and external audiences
- Presents analytical findings in clear, accessible formats appropriate for technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Assist in developing materials that communicate analysis results and community impact
- May support applied research initiatives in domains such as housing stability, eviction prevention, public health, and economic resilience, depending on project funding and institutional priorities
- Documents analytical methods, maintains organized datasets and supporting materials, identifies and resolves data quality issues, and contributes to the development of repeatable workflows and analytical processes
- Communicates findings clearly, responds to project and stakeholder needs, and contributes ideas to improve research practices, reporting, and data-informed decision-making in support of our partners and the centers mission
General Responsibilities
- Performs complex data collection, data analysis, data management, literature research, technical writing, and reporting in support of research project(s); performs quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
- Ensures quality control of data and reports findings to federal and other agencies
- Consults with faculty researchers and research staff and provides input on research project evaluations and research project designs
- Writes various technical reports, journal articles, and/or develops presentations to disseminate and share research findings
- Performs various analyses to ensures quality assurance of research findings (data quality, reports, etc.)
- Represents the department with regard to related research and participates in professional development activities and programs
- Mentors and/or provides guidance to students, faculty, or other staff working on research project(s) through training in related aspects of research techniques and analysis as needed; may provide daily oversight to less experienced staff or student researchers
- Provides additional research project support as needed
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
- Masters degree (preferably in research-oriented field such as statistics, public health/policy analysis, etc.)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
- 3 years in a related field
Preferred
- Experience in a community-oriented organization
- Experience working with housing, evictions, or community development data or closely related domains
SKILLS
Required
- Proficient communication skills
- Maintains a high degree of professionalism
- Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
- Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
- Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
- Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
- Highly thorough and dependable
- Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
- Strong knowledge and ability to apply qualitative and/or quantitative research skills
- Familiarity with and openness to learn new qualitative and mixed methods
- Knowledge and familiarity with various statistical software
Preferred
- Ability to translate complex data findings into clear, audience appropriate insights for policymakers and community stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience in applied community research projects
- Strong GIS skills; knowledge of statistical analysis
- Experience with data visualization software and coding such as R and Python
- Experience with multiple regression models a plus
- Understanding of relational databases and SQL
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Additional Information
This position is grant funded with expected annual renewals. Renewals are contingent on the availability of grant funds.
Work Location
Indianapolis, Indiana
This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule (mix between 2 days remote and 3 days in-person work), subject to change in the future based on university policy and business needs.
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
- Health savings account with generous IU contributions
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- Basic group life insurance paid by IU
- Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
- Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
- Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
- Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
- 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
- Generous paid time off plans
- Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.
Job Classification
Career Level: Career
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Research
Job Family: Research Data Analysis
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Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
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Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.
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