Data Analyst

About the Department:

The Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) is a North Carolina State University institutional research center. Located within the University’s visionary Centennial Campus, ITRE conducts surface, water, and air transportation research, while providing professional training and educational opportunities. ITRE collaborates with other University of North Carolina (UNC) system campuses and partners with transportation professionals around the globe.

ITRE was authorized by the NC General Assembly in 1976 and chartered by the UNC System Board of Governors in 1978. ITRE operated fully as an inter-institutional unit of the UNC System until 1992 when it moved to NC State’s campus. From 1992 to 2012, ITRE continued to operate as a multi-campus institute, reporting to the UNC System office for strategic direction with administrative support and oversight from NC State. Since 2012, ITRE has operated as an NC State institute in all respects.

ITRE is a university-based institute committed to leadership in the study of surface and air transportation issues through fostering analytical thinking, integrating technology in education and research, serving as a catalyst for problem solving, and cultivating professionals and students dedicated to excellence in transportation.

Essential Job Duties:

The data analyst conducts research on transportation policy and economic assessments. The topics can include but are not limited to economic impact analysis, benefit-cost analysis, logistics, and other data and policy analyses for airports, ports, ferries, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, highways, and other modes of transportation.

This data analyst position will independently develop and implement economic models, as well as integrate customized datasets; determine key model assumptions, inputs, and outcomes; and engage in quality control efforts.

Research tasks include:

• Selection, transcription, and calibration of economic data for specific client and project needs
• Customization of methodological approaches when necessary
• Tracking of state of the practice in economic impact methods in relation to each transportation mode studied
• Providing recommendations for improvements to economic modeling techniques and data applications
• Managing field data collection efforts while mentoring temporary employees and students
• Contributing to the development and implementation of thorough collection and analysis methodologies
• Analyzing field collection data
• Making recommendations to group managers on adjustments to current research methods
• Contributing to the preparation and delivery of final reports and presentations to clients
• Help to maintain and advance client relationships

Other Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required; or demonstrated comparable independent research productivity or an undergraduate degree and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

Other Required Qualifications:

• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access (or similar software).
• Proficiency with data visualization software such as ArcGIS, R, or PowerBI
• Must demonstrate a basic understanding of policy and economic analysis concepts.
• Must possess good organizational skills and be detail oriented.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work independently as well as be part of a team.
• Must be able to make presentations utilizing good communication and facilitation skills as the position will be required to give presentations to steering committees on research.
• Demonstrate a high level of initiative and ability to multi-task.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three or more years of closely related experience.