Statistical Support Specialist

Date Posted: 09/30/2024
Req ID: 39801
Faculty/Division: Library
Department: Map and Data Library
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

About Us:

The University of Toronto Libraries system is the largest academic library in Canada and is consistently ranked in the top ten among academic research libraries in North America. The system consists of 40 libraries located on three university campuses: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. This array of college libraries, special collections, and specialized libraries and information centres supports the teaching and research requirements of over 300 graduate programs, more than 70 professional programs, and about 700 undergraduate degree programs. In addition to more than 15 million volumes in 341 languages, the library system currently provides access to millions of electronic resources in various forms and over 31,000 linear metres of archival material. More than 150,000 new print volumes are acquired each year. The Libraries' data centre houses more than 500 servers with a storage capacity of 1.5 petabytes

Your Opportunity:

Under the direction of the immediate Supervisor, this 1(one) Year Term, Statistical Support Specialist is responsible for providing technical support in qualitative & quantitative research through consultations and reference services at the University of Toronto’s Map and Data Library. The Statistical Support Specialist works very closely with librarians in the department in extending and developing data and statistical services at the University of Toronto Libraries.

Works with librarians in the department and in the broader library community in supporting statistical and all aspects of quantitative and qualitative research methods in Social Sciences and Science disciplines. Transforms, manipulates, and converts data and statistics.  Creates metadata for various data collections and projects.

The Statistical Support Specialist also offers support to library users in their use of software applications and hardware, troubleshoots information access, collaborates in implementing Library staff in-service training programs, provides support in the development of instructional services initiatives, and assists with a variety of other service-related projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Statistical Consultations:

Provides expert technical support for researchers in all aspects of quantitative and qualitative research methods and in utilizing appropriate statistical analysis tools and methods, makes suggestions and recommendations on the design and data collection. Assists with the coordination of data collection, data manipulation, and statistical analyses in order to support various research projects.

Data manipulation & transformation:

Writes scripts to aid in the automation of data manipulation and conversion tasks. Independently develops methods, and processes to facilitate data ingestion into systems and statistical software. Assesses validity and reliability of data collection instruments and measures, calculates sample sizes, recommends provisions for data cleaning, statistical analyses, communication of results, documentation of all databases As the expert in a specialty area,  may research and review options for data collection and retrieval and select methods that support researchers and project needs.

Reference:

Provides expert reference service for data and statistics through consultations, email, and walk-ins. Searches data portals at U of T, Scholars Portal, Statistics Canada, and beyond for suitable datasets for researchers and students.

Metadata: 

Writes and edits standardized metadata in various data ingestion and publishing tools such as , Dataverse, etc.

Instruction Support:

Supports librarians with data and statistical instruction. Collaborates in implementing Library staff in-service training programs.  Assists in developing and delivering training programs as part of instructional and software support services. Maintains and updates policies and procedures. Participates in the evaluation, implementation and the monitoring of new technologies, developments and procedures as pertains to data sciences.

Special Projects:  Leads new library projects and be responsible for planning, organizing and coordinating activities. Performs duties such as assessing project requirements, developing and making recommendations to improve, extend and develop data and statistical services at the University of Toronto Libraries.

Qualifications (Minimum):

Formal Education:

• Masters degree in a related discipline required (e.g. statistics, economics, mathematics, computer science, etc.) or acceptable combination of education & experience.

Experience:

• Five years of related experience working in a research or academic setting required. 
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of statistical methods & analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with software such as R, SPSS, Stata, SAS etc., required.
• Demonstrated Python or Perl scripting knowledge and experience preferred.
• Demonstrated qualitative research experience required, public service and/or teaching experience an asset.
• Demonstrated experience with research and survey design, data collection/creation, and reporting an asset.
• Demonstrated experience conducting and/or supporting quantitative research in an academic environment.
• Demonstrated experience in or desire to work in a busy public service-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated awareness, sensitivity and commitment to the values of inclusivity, diversity and accessibility

Other Skills:

• Strong applied knowledge of statistical techniques such as tests of significance, regression analysis, categorical data analysis, and analysis of variance is required.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret questions and negotiate with clients to achieve mutually desired outcomes;
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Good internet and database search skills.
• Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work independently and effectively with technology in a fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• Ability to develop clear, concise, accurate technical documentation.
•  Strong user-focused service orientation; evidence of initiative, innovation and flexibility to respond to workflow demands.
•  Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with supervisors and colleagues in a culturally diverse and rapidly changing environment.
• A willingness and ability to learn is essential.

Notes:

• This is a 1 (one) Year Term position 

Closing Date: 10/11/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: CUPE 1230
Appointment Type: Budget - Term
Schedule:
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: CUPE 1230 (1U) - Step 1: $98,834 - Step 2: $103,273 - Step 3: $107,945
Job Category: Library Services