Job Details

Research Intelligence & Data Strategy Specialist

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Intelligence & Data Strategy Specialist at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

The Research Intelligence & Data Strategy Specialist acts as the primary lead for the university’s Faculty Honorifics and Recognition Program, leveraging tools such as Academic Analytics to identify and champion faculty for prestigious awards. Additionally, this position serves as the technical backbone for large-scale training grants [e.g., National Institutes of Health Training Grants (T-series grants), National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NSF NRT)] and manages the data infrastructure that supports successful proposal development. This is a role for a "data storyteller" who can translate metrics into faculty success. This position will coordinate closely with the team led by the Vice President for Digital Strategy and Operational Excellence, and will report to the Assistant Vice President, Research and Development.

Essential Functions : Faculty Recognition & Research Intelligence Honorifics Program Strategy: Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President for Research Development, lead the campus-wide strategy for faculty awards. Utilize bibliometric data (citations, h-index, grant history) to proactively identify faculty eligible for prestigious national and international honors [e.g., American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellows, National Academies, discipline-specific awards]. Targeted Prospecting: Create "shortlists" of award nominees for Department Chairs and Deans. Provide data snapshots that support the nomination packages. Academic Analytics Program Lead: Serve as the primary strategist for the Academic Analytics platform. Oversee the accuracy of faculty rosters and unit structures (ensuring the "backend" reflects our current organization) and drive campus adoption of the tool for strategic planning. Training Grant Data Management (NIH T-series, NSF NRT) Data Table Architecture: Manage the complex lifecycle of data collection for NIH and NSF training grant data tables. Longitudinal Tracking: Maintain a living database of trainee outcomes (pre- and post-doctoral) to ensure the institution is always prepared for grant renewals. Compliance & Consulting: Review faculty data for gaps or inconsistencies prior to submission, ensuring strict adherence to federal reporting guidelines. Proposal Resources & Development Operations Institutional Data Library: Curate and update a library of "Boilerplate Data" used in grant proposals (e.g., institutional facilities, student demographics, ranking metrics). Tool Development: Build user-friendly templates or dashboards that allow faculty to easily access the metrics they need for their specific proposals. Workflow Optimization: Identify bottlenecks in the proposal data collection process and implement new workflows to streamline support.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required. Master's degree or PhD is strongly preferred. Degree and/or experience in data analytics, research development, research administration, or library science. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Discipline: Research Analytics, Library & Information Science, Applied Sciences Experience: Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience).

Experience in research development, research administration, data analytics, or library science within higher education.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: REQUIRED: Federal Grant Knowledge: Familiarity with the data requirements for major federal proposals, specifically the complex data tables required for NIH T32 or NSF NRT training grants. Research Metrics Fluency: Deep understanding of bibliometrics (h-index, citations, impact factors) and how to leverage them to benchmark faculty and identify nominees for prestigious awards. Advanced Data Management: Mastery of tools and strategies to manage, clean, merge, and format large, messy datasets from multiple sources. Comfort working across university units to collect data and manage combined data sets. Platform Administration: Experience managing the "backend" of institutional research tools (e.g., Academic Analytics, Dimensions, Web of Science), including hierarchy management and user credentialing. Preferred Qualifications: Project management/tracking: Proficiency with tools like Airtable, Asana, Smatsheet, etc. to manage project and track ongoing programs. Data Storytelling: The ability to translate raw quantitative data into clear, strategic narratives or visual snapshots for leadership and non-technical audiences. Specialized Systems: Direct experience with NIH xTRACT or similar government reporting systems. Resource Design: A track record of creating user-friendly templates, guides, or "self-service" tools that simplify complex administrative processes for faculty. School/College/Division:

The Division of Research & Innovation

Primary Department:

H0905 - VP Research

Employment Type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/Salary Information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Annual Salary: To be determined

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment.

Job Openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.