Business Analyst for Research Systems

Consider a career with the University of Minnesota! The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) is seeking a Business Analyst to support and maintain research administration systems used to support life-changing research. The focus of this position is to provide ongoing support for a new grants management system used by UMN researchers to submit proposals and receive awards from external funding sources

Compensation
We offer a competitive annual salary range of $65,000-$75,000 commensurate with education, experience and qualifications.

***Please note this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.***

The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering local talent through employment opportunities. This position utilizes a predominantly hybrid work modality; prospective applicants must be located either in the state of Minnesota or near the Wisconsin border or otherwise open to relocation.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Business/Systems Analysis (60%)
The purpose of this position is to provide full-time business analysis and technical support as part of a team responsible for supporting a new enterprise research system. End-users of the system include UMN research faculty, lab staff, departmental and business staff. Specifically, this position:

• Works with business to map current and future-state business processes and aligns technology solutions with short and long-term business strategies.
• Analyzes and documents business needs to create detailed business/functional requirements and technical system specifications.
• Provides quality assurance/testing for users of the system. Collaborates with the team to develop functional and UAT test plans and scripts. Executes test plan and documents test scripts, statistics, metrics, and results. Maintains test plans and scripts to remain current over time.
• Provides training and technical guidance to less experienced staff.
• Develops a working knowledge of RIO business units, enterprise research technology systems, and the larger UMN technology infrastructure.
• Updates technical user guides for specific configurations and creates job aids needed to support the system.
• Assists in coordinating regulation-driven development of the system over time.

Production Support (25%)

• Works with clients and other technical teams to resolve system issues. Evaluates and follows through on issues and problems until resolved or escalated.
• Actively seeks and incorporates user feedback into supporting the system.
• Ensures excellent customer service to faculty, research staff, and RIO personnel.
• Serves as Site Manager for enterprise research technology systems.
• Coordinates with project manager, technical developers, and the vendor to evaluate issue patterns. Plans and recommends process and system improvements.
• Communicates technology issues in a way that is understandable to staff, faculty, and administration at all levels of the organization.

Additional Projects (10%)

• Creatively address opportunities to help advance research goals of the institution.
• Other projects as assigned by supervisor.

Professional Development (5%)

• Serve as RIO representative and participate in appropriate meetings, conferences, and training.

Flexible Work Location Profile

The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) and the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS) endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some onsite work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota.

This position has been designated as eligible for flexible work profile four. Profile four is expected to work fully remotely with the exception of required attendance for onsite events. In addition, this project will require some onsite onboarding. Your dedicated workspace will be in your remote work location. ORIS management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Qualifications

***Please document qualifications on your resume***

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience or master's degree or a comparable combination of education, training, and/or experience equal to six years.
• Familiarity with the software development cycle.
• Experience with waterfall and agile development methodologies.
• Experience with business process mapping.

Preferred Qualifications

• Business Analysis Certificate.
• Experience working in research, sponsored projects, and/or higher education.
• Experience working with data regulated by federal, state, and/or local law, policy or agreement.
• Application UI, UX, database query knowledge and/or data analysis experience.
• Quality assurance/testing experience; writing and executing manual and automated test scripts.
• Proficiency working with service request ticketing systems.

About the Department

The Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS) is a dedicated Information Technology unit that uniquely supports the goals of the University of Minnesota's Research & Innovation Office (RIO). RIO is a central resource that services and supports over 800 research administrative and academic staff located across the Twin Cities, Morris, Rochester, and Duluth campuses. ORIS's mission is to identify, implement, and sustain information system solutions to benefit all aspects of RIO's business. We simplify processes, inform decisions, and streamline research activities. We are a progressive, flexible, and team-oriented group that nurtures a culture of collegiality, trust, learning and knowledge sharing, and focus on our customers.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).