Are you passionate about working with data and contributing to impactful research initiatives? Northwestern University is seeking a talented Research Data Analyst to join its team in Chicago. This is an excellent opportunity for analytical professionals who enjoy transforming complex datasets into meaningful insights while supporting academic and research excellence. If you are looking to build your career at one of the leading research universities in the United States, this position offers competitive compensation, professional growth, and the chance to work alongside renowned researchers.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Northwestern University |
| Role | Research Data Analyst Associate |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Public Health, Social Sciences, or related field |
| Job Location | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Salary | $56,000 – $63,000 per year |
| Work Type | On-site / Hybrid (as per business requirements) |
| Job Type | Full-Time |
| Job Level | Entry-Level to Mid-Level |
| Industry | Higher Education / Research / Data Analytics |
Job Description
The Impact Institute is hiring a Research Data Analyst Associate to support the FAB 400 project, a longitudinal cohort study of LGBTQ individuals living in the Chicagoland area. This position will work closely with study investigators, project managers, and other research personnel to design and implement data management and analytic strategies that align with the project’s scientific objectives. The primary responsibilities include:
- Assisting with the design, testing, and maintenance of data collection instruments, participant tracking tools, and electronic data capture systems (e.g., REDCap).
- Carrying out ongoing data quality assurance procedures, including data cleaning, validation, codebook development, and documentation of data irregularities or protocol deviations.
- Performing secure data storage, organization, and retrieval processes consistent with institutional and federal compliance requirements (including de-identification, data transfer protocols, and controlled-access procedures).
- Supporting the establishment, maintenance, and sharing of research datasets for internal project use and for external collaborators, including preparation of well-documented, analysis-ready datasets.
- Collaborating with investigators and analysts to generate summary statistics or descriptive reports that inform study operations and manuscript development.
- Contributing to research dissemination through preparation of figures, tables, technical summaries, and methodological documentation for manuscripts, presentations, and grant reports.
- Participating in regular team meetings and contributing to the development and refinement of data-related workflows, standard operating procedures, and best practices for longitudinal cohort research.
This is a grant-funded position and continued employment is reviewed annually, contingent upon performance and funding availability. This is a full-time, in-person position based on the Chicago campus of Northwestern University.
Target hiring range for this position will be between $56,782 – $63,000per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Specific Responsibilities
Strategic Planning
- Partners with clients to define requirements based on business objectives
Administration
- Develop standardized templates, policies, and procedures for internal and external reporting.
- Designs and prepares documentation for qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
Development
- Completes a variety of statistical analyses using appropriate data and software
- Merges data from multiple sources in preparation for analysis.
- Interprets results of analyses for use in reports and presentations
Performance
- Completes data cleaning and organizes data files for analysis.
- Reviews data and Identifies quality issues
Miscellaneous
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience
Infrastructure
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook)
Analytical
- problem solving
Project
- organizational skills
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
- Good time management skills; efficient and resourceful in problem-solving; able to prioritize tasks.
- Ability to interact sensitively, effectively, and professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Clear and effective oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience using one or more statistical/programming software such as SPSS, SAS or R.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience programming surveys using computer assisted self-interviewing technology.
- One year of experience in research-related programming, data management and statistical data processing.
- Previous experience working in a biomedical, social science, or health science research field.
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
- Self-driven with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and guidance.
- Willingness to expand technical skills.
- Experience with REDCap for data collection.
- Technical proficiency with SPSS.
Selection Process
- Application Submission
- Resume Screening
- Initial HR/Recruiter Review
- Technical and Analytical Assessment (if applicable)
- Hiring Manager Interview
- Final Interview Round
- Background Verification
- Offer Letter & Onboarding
How to Apply
- Visit the official Northwestern University careers portal.
- Search for the “Research Data Analyst” position.
- Review the job description, qualifications, and requirements.
- Prepare your updated resume and supporting documents.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Monitor your email for updates regarding the recruitment process.
