Data Analyst

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Data Programs, the Data Analyst will monitor and support Environmental Health & Safety’s (EH&S) internal and external technology applications, ensuring that the highest level of service is provided to the Columbia University research community. The preferred candidate must have a passion for data integrity, analytics, accuracy, efficiency and be part of a team that provides expert guidance and timely service to the University research community.

The Data Analyst will process tasks with high efficiency and quality, in a fast-paced environment to support technology solutions that address the operational needs and requirements of EH&S and the University’s research community. The preferred candidate will excel at working in a team environment, supporting and troubleshooting technology applications, communicating findings and processes effectively, and will develop relationships with staff, clients and vendors to ensure effective/efficient implementation of existing and planned technology-based environmental health and safety programs.

Subject to business needs, we may support flexible and hybrid work arrangements. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Data Analyst II and EH&S management team in the development and application of tools and resources to further the goals of Columbia University's EH&S programs.
• Gather requirements, assess operational challenges, and work with EH&S stakeholders and the research community to identify technology-based solutions.
• Support the relationships between EH&S and Software as a Service (SaaS) vendors and liaise with University IT resources.
• Contribute to the implementation, ongoing use and refinement of environmental health and safety software applications, tools and information systems.
• Visit research laboratories in the field to support EH&S database verification, reconcile data, deliver laboratory supplies as needed, and communicate with researchers to collect, validate, and improve data points.
• Assist in the administration of the chemical tracking program, including community outreach and education, monitoring the completion of relevant tasks, and assessing workflow efficiencies.
• Troubleshoot application issues by identifying the source of the problem, resolving issues directly when appropriate, or coordinating with outside vendors for resolution.
• Respond in a timely manner to issues and requests such as account creation, value updates and status reports within EH&S software applications, tools and information system issues.
• Assist with updating EH&S online materials including informational documents and website.
• Assist with the design, creation & delivery of EH&S training for software system platforms and functions.
• Create surveys for data collection with meaningful and actionable questions.
• Generate and analyze reports using large datasets, including user, location, asset, inspection, and chemical data, to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement in a fast-paced environment.
• Present reports to stakeholders, communicate key insights, answer questions, and translate findings into practical recommendations and technology improvements that support departmental and research operations.
• Follow established data integrity workflows and create new procedures by developing question sets related to contact info, work locations and lab members to ensure completeness, accuracy and timely follow-through.
• Participate in the evaluation of new technologies to ensure that data analysis and visualization tools are in line with EH&S needs.
• Assist in the evaluation, development and implementation of artificial intelligence tools to automate administrative tasks and create opportunities for efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required with an educational emphasis in Computer Science, Information Systems, Life Sciences, Engineering or related field; 1+ year(s) of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with administrating database systems is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Power Query and VBA is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Power BI.
• Familiarity with generative AI tools.
• Experience with AI-assisted coding tools.
• Experience with automation workflow software.
• Familiarity with updating websites built using a content management system (CMS) is preferred.
• Familiarity with working in a research, laboratory, or academic setting.

Other Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to train others on the effective use of technology applications.
• Demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and sound judgment while working in a team-based, collaborative environment.
• Willingness to develop a practical understanding of environmental health and safety issues and actively support EH&S operations.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.