LDA - Data Analyst- SMART Initiative- Institute for Public Service

The Data Analyst is an initial 2-year limited duration appointment (LDA) position for the SMART Initiative (Substance Misuse and Addiction Resource for Tennessee) with the Institute for Public Service (IPS). 

The SMART Data Analyst will provide technical assistance to county and city governments on the collection and use of local and state data to be used in region-specific opioid abatement efforts, create data visualizations, reports, and other publications on substance use related data at the county and state levels, and contribute to research with other members of the UT SMART team. The SMART Initiative (Substance Misuse and Addiction Resource for Tennessee) is a state-wide program whose primary goals are to empower Tennessee to overcome the overdose crisis.  The SMART Initiative guides community leaders in implementing evidence-based, cost-effective strategies that mitigate damage from substance use disorders and the opioid epidemic. Our vision is a healthy Tennessee where people impacted by substance use can live and thrive. 

• Builds and maintains relationships with local stakeholders across the state to obtain to local data sets.
• Uses innovative solutions to solve problems and address local barriers to data access. 
• Identifies what types of data should be collected based on individual community needs and develops short- and long-term data collection plans. 
• Identify data trends over time and make recommendations for intervention based on those trends. 
• Performs complex data analysis using advanced modeling methods to answer questions about the use and value of resources.
• Determines the most appropriate methods for presenting data. 
• Presents findings to local government, community stakeholders, and other audiences.
• Lead data related projects related to the mission of the SMART Initiative. 
• Complies with all UT data security procedures for collecting, storing, and managing data. 
• Obtains Institutional Review Board approval as required.
• Supervises student workers. 

Required Qualifications: 
Education:   

Required: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, information systems, or data analytics or related field

Strongly preferred: Master’s degree in public health with a focus on epidemiology, computer science, statistics, information systems, or data analytics or related field

Experience:     

Two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Skills:  

• Strong analytical and statistical skills, with proficiency in relevant software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to producing accurate and reliable results.
• Familiarity with data ethics and protocols.
• Experience working in diverse research settings, including academic, non-profit, or government environments.
• Ability to function independently overseeing multiple studies simultaneously.
• Knowledge of data visualization tools for conveying data findings.
• Substance use disorder content expert or knowledge of the impact of the opioid crisis on rural and urban communities at a minimum. 
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize activities when reacting to numerous and competing requests for assistance from communities.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with little supervision while working in the office or remotely.

Behaviors:

Members of the SMART Initiative team will exhibit qualities of emotional maturity, genuineness, self-confidence, common sense, judgment, fairness, creativity, discretion, decisiveness, political savvy, diplomacy, tact, resiliency, adaptability, courage of convictions and tolerance for ambiguity. Demonstrated behavioral expectations include:

• Unquestioned integrity and trustworthiness.
• Commitment to the University’s mission and strategic plan, as well as missions and strategic plans for each campus/institute.
• Ability to make good, consistent, and fair decisions (based on fact and data).
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams and to foster teamwork.

Location:

This remote position will serve the state of Tennessee. Full-time residence within Tennessee is required, though this can be anywhere within the state. Office space may be provided if needed depending on area of residence. 

Applicants are encouraged to review all position requirements prior to applying. Salary is based on a combination of professional experience and qualifications. For best consideration, applications should be submitted by March 24, 2025. Applicants must submit a resume with a minimum of three references. Position is open until filled.