Research Data & Analytics Specialist
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
Research Data & Analytics Specialist
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Research Data & Analytics Specialist.
Position Details
Location
Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division
Office of Research Administration
Position Type
Staff
Employment Status
Part Time
Grant Funded
No
Salary Range
30.00 - 30.00
Pay Grade
Generic Grade
Posting Close Date
Five Days After Posted
Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary TheResearch Data and Analytics Specialist supports the University's researchenterprise by building and maintaining data systems, dashboards, and analytictools that increase transparency, improve grant management workflows, andstrengthen institution-wide strategic decision-making. This highly technicalrole utilizes institutional systems including PeopleSoft and Cayuse and datavisualization tools such as Power BI to extract, transform, analyze, andpresent research administration data in a clear and accessible format forfaculty and campus leadership. The Specialist serves a diverse campus audience,including pre- and post-award grant managers, academic affairs leadership,faculty, and multiple administrative units. Through this work, the positionprovides critical visibility into sponsored funding activity, supports accurateand compliant grant management, and contributes to the University's efforts tobuild a robust and sustainable research ecosystem. Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Manages and enhances the University's research information systems by extracting, organizing, and integrating data from platforms such as PeopleSoft and Cayuse; maintains and improves Power BI dashboards and reporting tools while ensuring data accuracy, consistency, integrity, and well-documented, sustainable reporting processes.
Develops analytical models, visualizations, and decision-support tools to strengthen grant tracking and strategic planning; identifies trends, monitors performance indicators, and provides tailored analytics to support effective resource management.
Serves as a campuswide technical expert for Power BI, PeopleSoft, Cayuse, and AI tools; provides user support, training, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of dashboards and reporting tools while ensuring usability and alignment with research needs.
Leads evaluation and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled technologies to improve research administration, data integrity, and efficiency; assesses emerging tools and collaborates with campus partners to integrate solutions while ensuring ethical use and data security.
Contributes to special projects and strategic initiatives to support research information systems and strengthen the University's research enterprise.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor'sdegree from an accredited college or university in information systems, dataanalytics, computer science, business intelligence, research administration, ora related field that provides a strong foundation in data-centered work. One (1) year of experience working withcomplex administrative or research-related data systems such as PeopleSoft,Cayuse, or similar platforms. Five (5) years of experience organizing,analyzing, or reporting on large or multifaceted datasets in a professionalenvironment.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong technical expertise in data visualization, database management, and analytical workflows, including developing dynamic dashboards, extracting and transforming data from enterprise systems, and applying advanced analytics to support decision-making and operational efficiency
Ability to translate complex datasets into clear, intuitive visualizations that support faculty, grant managers, and administrators in interpreting trends and making informed decisions
Ability to ensure accuracy, maintain data integrity, and apply sound judgment in handling sensitive or confidential information
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work with large, complex, and multi-source datasets, identify data integrity issues, reconcile discrepancies, and improve accuracy and consistency
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to nontechnical audiences and present analytical findings through clear narratives and visual summaries
Commitment to data accuracy, integrity, confidentiality, and continuous improvement, with strong attention to detail and adherence to data governance standards
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Proficiency in Structured Query Language (SQL), Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), or similar query and reporting languages, with the ability to design advanced dashboards and analytics solutions
Proficiency in Power BI or other business intelligence and data visualization tools
Strong technical aptitude and ability to quickly learn new systems and processes while applying sound judgment in handling sensitive information
Demonstrated ability to support data-driven decision-making and continuously improve reporting tools and processes
Preferred Qualifications Master'sdegree from an accredited college or university in data analytics, informationsystems, business intelligence, research administration, or a related field. Two(2) years of experience working in a higher-education research environment orsponsored programs office. Two (2) years of experience in researchadministration workflow including proposal, award, and compliance processes.Two (2) years of experience with enterprise systems such as PeopleSoft,Workday, Ellucian, Cayuse, Huron, or comparable platforms.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Research Data & Analytics Specialist.
Position Details
Location
Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division
Office of Research Administration
Position Type
Staff
Employment Status
Part Time
Grant Funded
No
Salary Range
30.00 - 30.00
Pay Grade
Generic Grade
Posting Close Date
Five Days After Posted
Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary TheResearch Data and Analytics Specialist supports the University's researchenterprise by building and maintaining data systems, dashboards, and analytictools that increase transparency, improve grant management workflows, andstrengthen institution-wide strategic decision-making. This highly technicalrole utilizes institutional systems including PeopleSoft and Cayuse and datavisualization tools such as Power BI to extract, transform, analyze, andpresent research administration data in a clear and accessible format forfaculty and campus leadership. The Specialist serves a diverse campus audience,including pre- and post-award grant managers, academic affairs leadership,faculty, and multiple administrative units. Through this work, the positionprovides critical visibility into sponsored funding activity, supports accurateand compliant grant management, and contributes to the University's efforts tobuild a robust and sustainable research ecosystem. Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Manages and enhances the University's research information systems by extracting, organizing, and integrating data from platforms such as PeopleSoft and Cayuse; maintains and improves Power BI dashboards and reporting tools while ensuring data accuracy, consistency, integrity, and well-documented, sustainable reporting processes.
Develops analytical models, visualizations, and decision-support tools to strengthen grant tracking and strategic planning; identifies trends, monitors performance indicators, and provides tailored analytics to support effective resource management.
Serves as a campuswide technical expert for Power BI, PeopleSoft, Cayuse, and AI tools; provides user support, training, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of dashboards and reporting tools while ensuring usability and alignment with research needs.
Leads evaluation and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled technologies to improve research administration, data integrity, and efficiency; assesses emerging tools and collaborates with campus partners to integrate solutions while ensuring ethical use and data security.
Contributes to special projects and strategic initiatives to support research information systems and strengthen the University's research enterprise.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor'sdegree from an accredited college or university in information systems, dataanalytics, computer science, business intelligence, research administration, ora related field that provides a strong foundation in data-centered work. One (1) year of experience working withcomplex administrative or research-related data systems such as PeopleSoft,Cayuse, or similar platforms. Five (5) years of experience organizing,analyzing, or reporting on large or multifaceted datasets in a professionalenvironment.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong technical expertise in data visualization, database management, and analytical workflows, including developing dynamic dashboards, extracting and transforming data from enterprise systems, and applying advanced analytics to support decision-making and operational efficiency
Ability to translate complex datasets into clear, intuitive visualizations that support faculty, grant managers, and administrators in interpreting trends and making informed decisions
Ability to ensure accuracy, maintain data integrity, and apply sound judgment in handling sensitive or confidential information
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work with large, complex, and multi-source datasets, identify data integrity issues, reconcile discrepancies, and improve accuracy and consistency
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to nontechnical audiences and present analytical findings through clear narratives and visual summaries
Commitment to data accuracy, integrity, confidentiality, and continuous improvement, with strong attention to detail and adherence to data governance standards
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Proficiency in Structured Query Language (SQL), Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), or similar query and reporting languages, with the ability to design advanced dashboards and analytics solutions
Proficiency in Power BI or other business intelligence and data visualization tools
Strong technical aptitude and ability to quickly learn new systems and processes while applying sound judgment in handling sensitive information
Demonstrated ability to support data-driven decision-making and continuously improve reporting tools and processes
Preferred Qualifications Master'sdegree from an accredited college or university in data analytics, informationsystems, business intelligence, research administration, or a related field. Two(2) years of experience working in a higher-education research environment orsponsored programs office. Two (2) years of experience in researchadministration workflow including proposal, award, and compliance processes.Two (2) years of experience with enterprise systems such as PeopleSoft,Workday, Ellucian, Cayuse, Huron, or comparable platforms.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.