Research Analyst Jobs in Austin, TX

INTRODUCTION

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Functional Title: Senior Research Analyst

Job Title: Data Analyst V

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: DAP Analytics & Decision Sup

Posting Number: 17057

Closing Date: 11/13/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Range: $6,377.50 - $8,581.66

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26

Shift: Day

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST

Brief Job Description:

This job posting is intended to fill multiple openings.

The Office of Data, Analytics, and Performance (DAP) is seeking a highly-qualified candidate to fill the position of Senior Research Analyst (Data Analyst V) on the Applied Statistics & Evaluation Team. This position will help DAP transform data into meaningful information to improve the well-being of Texans. The ideal candidate will have strong analytic skills, a commitment to growth, and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable people.

The Senior Research Analyst oversees highly complex (senior-level) research, evaluation, and data analytic projects for HHSC programs, management, legislative entities, and federal partners. The Senior Research Analyst designs and conducts research and evaluation studies requiring data collection, analysis, and reporting; applies advanced research designs and statistical methods to health and human services (HHS) data, including statistical modeling and trend analysis; writes advanced scripts and code for computer-based statistical software; develops, builds, and administers survey instruments and focus groups; and prepares a variety of reports, presentations, and other deliverables for state legislative entities, federal agencies, and HHSC departments. The Senior Research Analyst will also be responsible for leading special projects and high-priority analytic deliverables.

The Senior Research Analyst provides expert consultation and assistance on best practices for research design, data management, statistical modeling and analysis, and reporting standards. In addition, this position will assist with the supervision and oversight of team members. The Senior Research Analyst works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The posted salary reflects the minimum and maximum range for this position, as determined by the Texas State Auditor’s Office. The offered salary will be based on available budgeted funds. This position also includes a comprehensive benefit package, including health coverage, wellness programs, and retirement benefits.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: Oversees comprehensive research studies and evaluations of HHS programs, including planning the evaluation design, developing data collection/survey instruments, identifying outcome measures, performing advanced statistical analysis, and interpreting and summarizing the results. (25%)

EJF 2: Disseminates research and evaluation findings concerning HHS programs and policy implications via technical reports, presentations, or other deliverables to the Texas Legislature, Governor’s Office, and federal and state agencies, including HHS program staff and executive leadership. (15%)

EJF 3: Responds to ad-hoc data analysis and reporting requests on HHS programs. (15%)

EJF 4: Provides expert research and evaluation technical assistance to HHS divisions and external partners, including third-party evaluators. (15%)

EJF 5: Identifies use cases and develops database prototypes for data connectivity across HHS programs; anticipates analytic limitations in agency data and identifies potential solutions to support data quality improvement; advances understanding of agency programs through novel research ideas and methods. (10%)

EJF 6: Supports management in monitoring project timelines, decision points, and key deliverables; demonstrates organizational skills, professional judgment, and the ability to anticipate project barriers; provides guidance related to the selection and use of preferred data management and analytic tools; defines, develops, and implements data and reporting standards. (10%)

EJF 7: Helps oversee the work of others; provides training, guidance, and feedback to team members. (10%)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in statistics, research methods, social or behavioral sciences, public health, or public policy, plus at least two years of experience conducting research and evaluation in a professional setting; or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in statistics, research methods, social or behavioral sciences, public health, or public policy, plus at least five years of experience conducting research and evaluation in a professional setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Knowledge of HHS programs and data systems.
• Skill in conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
• Knowledge, experience, and advanced ability in using statistical analysis and data management software such as SPSS, SAS, Stata, MAXQDA, and other software such as Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, and Power Point).
• Knowledge of survey methods and online survey tools (including Alchemer).
• Knowledge of record keeping, including security procedures for handling, protecting, and distributing confidential data.
• Ability to conceptualize, develop, and write evaluation plans and reports.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex concepts and research findings, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple research and evaluation projects simultaneously.
• Ability to exercise critical thinking, independent judgement, and individual initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be skilled in working in a collaborative environment that may cross departments and/or agencies, and to communicate effectively with team members.

REGISTRATIONS, LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS OR CERTIFICATIONS

N/A

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

N/A

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form.

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.