Senior Research Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, the Senior Research Analyst leads complex research and analytics projects to support evidence-based decision making. This role is responsible for designing and delivering research initiatives, analyzing large datasets, and translating findings into actionable insights that inform policy, strategy, and program outcomes.

• Lead end-to-end research and analytics projects, including methodology design, data integration, analysis, and reporting for complex, high-priority projects.
• Develop and apply advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods to address complex policy and system questions.
• Analyze and integrate data from multiple sources (administrative, survey, and external datasets) to generate insights.
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations and communicate findings effectively to senior leadership through briefing notes, presentations, dashboards, and reports.
• Design and implement performance measurement frameworks and indicators to assess system outcomes such as learner success, labor market alignment, and institutional performance
• Lead major research and survey initiatives, including vendor management, contract oversight, and ensuring methodological rigor and data quality.
• Conduct literature reviews, environmental scans, and jurisdictional comparisons to support evidence-based policy development.
• Provide expert advice to internal stakeholders on research methodologies, data limitations, and interpretation of findings.
• Collaborate with internal teams, other ministries, and external partners (e.g., Statistics Canada) to support data sharing, alignment of methodologies, and cross-jurisdictional analysis.
• Lead and manage large-scale research and survey initiatives, including vendor coordination and project oversight.
• Identify data gaps and develop new approaches, tools, or data sources to improve research quality and insights.
• Respond to emerging priorities and information requests, delivering timely, accurate, and high-quality analysis in a fast-paced environment.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Systems Thinking: Integrates multiple data sources and perspectives to provide a holistic view that supports long-term policy and system outcomes.

Creative Problem Solving: Develops innovative approaches and analytical solutions to address complex data and research challenges.

Drive for Results: Delivers high-quality research and insights within tight timelines while managing competing priorities effectively.

Develop Networks: Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support collaboration and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

University graduation in Economics, Social Sciences, or a related field a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Required: 

• Strong experience in quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis.
• Experience working with large datasets and advanced analytical methods.
• Excellent communication skills to present complex information clearly.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to translate complex data into clear, concise insights and recommendations for senior leadership and decision-makers.
• Knowledge of advanced analytical techniques such as regression analysis, forecasting, or quasi-experimental methods.
• Experience using statistical and data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, SAS, SQL, Power BI or similar tools).

Assets: 

• Experience leading or supporting large-scale surveys or research initiatives, including vendor management.
• Knowledge of Alberta’s post-secondary education system, labour market trends, or public sector policy environment.
• Experience conducting jurisdictional scans, literature reviews, and comparative analysis across regions or systems.
• Familiarity with Government of Alberta policies, data systems, and legislative frameworks (e.g., FOIP/ATIA).
• Experience working in a complex, multi-stakeholder or cross-ministry environment.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This competition is for 1 full-time permanent position located in Edmonton.  

Monday – Friday, 7.25 hours per day / 36.25 hours per week.

Candidates are required to submit a cover letter that outlines their academic qualifications and professional experience, and articulates the reasons for their suitability for the position.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.