Job Description

Specialist, Research Data Systems (Department of Psychology) (On Call) Posting Number req27622 Department Psychology Department Website Link https://psychology.arizona.edu/ Location Tucson Campus Address Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights

The University of Arizona’s Department of Psychology invites applications for the on-call role of Research Data Systems Specialist.

In this position, the Specialist plays a key role in supporting the department’s research and programmatic initiatives by independently developing and maintaining specialized research databases and data-management processes. These efforts support research studies, program evaluation, educational initiatives, quality improvement, and departmental operations. The Specialist provides advanced expertise in research data management, database development, statistical programming, data integration, and analytical reporting in support of the HealthCare Partnership within the department. Working closely with Psychology faculty, researchers, and program personnel, the Specialist translates research and programmatic requirements into effective data collection, management, integration, and analytical solutions.

The position leverages advanced database and statistical computing skills, including Microsoft Access, SQL Server, SAS, and other appropriate analytical tools, to ensure research data are accurate, reliable, appropriately protected, and ready for analysis and reporting. The Specialist also serves as a resource and consultant on research data management, data quality, statistical methods, and reporting, contributing directly to the research and programmatic mission of the Department of Psychology.

The Specialist exercises substantial independent judgment in developing research data-management approaches, designing databases, establishing data-quality procedures, conducting analyses, and recommending improvements to research processes. The role also collaborates with University IT personnel, as needed, to support enterprise technology, infrastructure, and security services outside the Specialist’s direct responsibilities. In addition, the Specialist may provide technical guidance, training, and coordination to personnel engaged in research data collection, coding, quality assurance, and reporting. These activities do not constitute formal supervision unless specifically assigned.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Independently designs, develops, maintains, and enhances specialized relational databases, including database structures, data models, relationships, queries, and data-processing procedures, to support complex research studies, program evaluation, and HealthCare Partnership operations.
• Translates research and programmatic requirements into effective database designs and data-management solutions; evaluates and enhances existing systems to improve data accuracy, accessibility, efficiency, and long-term usability. Maintains database documentation, data dictionaries, and procedures and identifies opportunities for process improvement and automation.
• Develops and maintains procedures for collecting, extracting, integrating, transforming, validating, and preparing research data from multiple sources, including longitudinal data, historical records, and recurring data collections. Establishes standardized methodologies for data entry, coding, cleaning, documentation, and quality assurance.
• Establishes and implements data-quality standards and validation procedures to ensure the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and reliability of research data. Identifies and resolves data discrepancies, missing information, and inconsistencies and develops corrective procedures.
• Prepares and maintains research datasets for statistical analysis, program evaluation, reporting, and dissemination of findings. Conducts statistical analyses using SAS and other appropriate analytical software and develops and maintains statistical programs and analytical procedures to support research, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Develops reports, tables, graphs, dashboards, and other data visualizations to communicate research findings, program outcomes, and operational trends. Evaluates analytical results, identifies data limitations, and prepares technical reports and findings for research presentations, publications, program reports, and departmental decision-making.
• Supports the design and implementation of process, outcome, and impact evaluations by developing and applying appropriate data-management, statistical, and analytical methodologies. Recommends improvements to strengthen the accuracy, interpretation, and application of research findings.
• Establishes and maintains procedures to protect the accuracy, integrity, confidentiality, and appropriate use of sensitive research and program data, including data-access practices, validation and documentation standards, data retention, and historical data preservation. Identifies and addresses risks to data quality and confidentiality and coordinates with University IT personnel regarding infrastructure security and enterprise services outside the position's direct responsibilities.
• Serves as a specialized research data resource and consultant to Psychology faculty, HealthCare Partnership researchers, and departmental personnel. Collaborates with researchers to identify data requirements and recommends appropriate database development, data-management, statistical programming, and analytical approaches across multiple research and evaluation projects.
• Coordinates data-related activities and deliverables across research and evaluation projects; provides guidance and training to personnel involved in data entry, coding, validation, quality assurance, and reporting; and communicates research findings, recommendations, and methodological considerations to technical and nontechnical audiences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated skill in relational database design, programming, management, security, and integrity using Microsoft Access, SQL Server, or comparable technologies.
• Knowledge of technology architecture, systems integration, deployment, cybersecurity, and lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical and business requirements, communicate recommendations to stakeholders, work independently, prioritize multiple assignments, and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to analyze complex technical and business requirements, troubleshoot systems issues, and recommend effective solutions.
• Ability to develop clear technical documentation, user instructions, procedures, and training materials.
• Ability to communicate technical information to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines while working independently and collaboratively.
• Strong judgment, organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing, developing, maintaining, and troubleshooting relational databases, including Microsoft Access, SQL Server, or comparable technologies.
• Demonstrated experience with database security, data integrity, data validation, data integration, reporting, and quality assurance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in information technology, computer science, information systems, data science, or related discipline.
• Experience with data integration, validation, quality assurance, reporting, data visualization, and data analysis.
• Experience using SAS or comparable statistical analysis software.
• Experience working in higher education, research, healthcare, or a similarly complex enterprise environment.
• Experience with SAS or comparable statistical analysis software and with process, outcome, or impact evaluation.
• Experience developing data-collection, data-entry, coding, validation, reporting, and quality-assurance procedures.
• Experience preparing reports, presentations, graphs, charts, dashboards, or publications for technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Experience with cloud technologies, enterprise applications, systems administration, networking, virtualization, automation, cybersecurity, or technology architecture.
• Experience managing technology projects, working with cross-functional teams, or working with vendors and IT support staff.
• Experience training or coordinating personnel and developing user manuals, database documentation, technical procedures, or online help resources.
• Relevant professional certifications in cybersecurity, cloud computing, systems administration, networking, or enterprise architecture.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

FLSA Non-Exempt Full Time/Part Time Part Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 1 Job FTE 0.025 Work Calendar Fiscal Job Category Research Benefits Eligible No Benefits Rate of Pay $36.32 - $47.22 Compensation Type hourly rate Grade 10 Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator. Career Stream and Level PC3 Job Family Research & Data Analysis Job Function Research Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies 1 Target Hire Date Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Renee Sayre

Associate Director, HealthCare Partnership

sayrer@arizona.edu Open Date 11/10/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Resume Special Instructions to Applicant Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.