Research Data Specialist

The Role

The purpose of this position is to design, implement and manage systems to enable the collection, analysis and reporting of data across research and implementation studies based at Black Dog Institute. The position will be responsible for creating unified study databases combining data from existing, ongoing data collections managed by internal and external partners, and establishing reporting platforms and visualisation of research outcomes for a range of audiences. The position will also support research projects through the provision of data analytics and statistical analysis expertise.

The nature of these projects requires very high attention to detail, accuracy, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to understand data, recognise anomalies, see patterns and sense making of large data sets, and the ability to grapple with complex interactions and data needs/management. It will require an understanding of the research environment, along with core expertise across data management, data analysis, and research statistics.

The position works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders across the Institute, client interaction and proactive planning of tasks to meet project deadlines are essential components of the role.

Duties & Responsibilities

Data Management

• Ensure all data management activities adhere to best research data governance practices, ensuring privacy and security of data is maintained to the highest ethical standards
• Work closely with researchers to design, develop, implement, and maintain fit for purpose data capture, entry, storage, and archiving systems/ databases for research studies in adherence to data security protocols, data governance, and broader research ethics requirements.
• Develop and manage database systems and architecture using specialised fit-for-purpose software such as SAS and SQL, to generate insights into study progress and recommendations for improvements to study data collection and reporting.
• Manage the collection and integration of data from a range of internal and external data providers, including setting up and implementing systems and procedures for quality assurance (quality control, data checking and cleaning large datasets), as well as data extraction for analysis.
• Work closely with researchers to develop, manage and maintain Research Data Management Plans for research trials and research studies, including recommendations for technologies, formats, operating models and decisioning platforms.
• Provide accurate and timely data to support research reporting as requested, and contribute to the dissemination of results i.e. publications, presentation and reports.
• Create and maintain system documentation, including the development of protocols, processes, data plans and dictionaries to support data management, governance, access, analysis and reporting across research trials and studies.
• Provide AWS server management.

Stakeholder Liaison

• Work alongside senior teams to develop data strategy, policies, protocols, practices and tools related to data collection and analysis.
• Provide internal communication and support to research teams to assist with scoping, quotations, and queries for data requirements for research and non-research projects and grants.
• Undertake consultation and knowledge exchange with internal and external stakeholders including researchers, Research Development Support Team, data custodians, and Product Review Advisory Board (PRAB).
• Provide regular updates to internal stakeholders on project progress and delays.
• Ad hoc support for data needs, as requested and prioritised through our Data and Analytics Request Portal.
• Escalating issues to Program Managers and Supervisor as required.

Data Analytics and Statistics

• Provide advice and guidance for research teams on statistical analysis of research projects, including Statistical Analysis Plans and Research Data Management Plans.
• Use specialised reporting packages to produce insights reports (e.g. PowerBI dashboards, Google Analytics, SAS).
• Support data analysis, including data cleaning/processing, weighting, statistical significance testing and descriptive statistics.
• Manage and develop data visualisation instruments.

Selection Criteria

1. Tertiary qualification in information technology, health information management, public health, statistics or a relevant scientific discipline.
2. Demonstrated experience in establishing and managing SQL-Server based database systems for health projects ideally gained in a research or medical environment.
3. Demonstrated experience in SAS or similar software for data management, analysis and reporting.
4. Proven experience with visual analytics tools, e.g. SAS, Power BI 5. Proficient in python scripting.
5. Demonstrated experience in quality control, data checking and cleaning of datasets, including data manipulation and extraction.
6. Experience in the development of documented data management plans and data governance processes.
7. Demonstrated ability to manage a variety of internal and external stakeholders
8. Proven ability to work flexibly and adapt as necessary to the demands of multiple projects.
9. 1Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, with an outstanding level of attention to detail.

EEO Statement
Black Dog Institute is committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our wider community. We ensure equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, appearance, carer status, cultural and/or racial background, disability, gender identity, lived experience, religion or sexual orientation. 

How to Apply
To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to our careers site on ELMO and submit your most up to date resume and a detailed cover letter addressing the selection criteria for the role. f you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details.  We are a 2022 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant.