Senior Research Services Business Analyst

Job Description:

About Brown

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world. Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more.  To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page for further information.

About the Opportunity

As a senior member of the Research Administration Information Systems (RAIS) team, the Senior Research Services Business Analyst provides strategic leadership and high-level technical expertise for the University’s Electronic Research Administration (eRA) systems. Reporting to the Director of RAIS, this role is responsible for the long-term health, architectural integrity, and strategic evolution of systems critical to the Division of Research (DOR). The Senior Analyst acts as a strategic partner between the research community and technical teams, translating high-level institutional goals into scalable system architectures. This position independently manages complex business process redesigns to ensure the University remains at the forefront of regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

• System Architecture & Strategy: Orchestrates the planning, design, and lifecycle management of enterprise-level research applications, ensuring scalability, security, and institutional alignment.
• High-Level Strategic Analysis: Leads comprehensive feasibility studies and impact analyses for new system adoptions, providing executive-level recommendations to the Vice President for Research.
• Knowledge Leadership: Designs and governs the University’s research system training strategy, ensuring a high level of technical competency across the 600+ user community.
• Institutional Liaison: Serves as a primary representative for RAIS in high-stakes collaborations with Workday Operations, OIT, and external federal auditors.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience plus a minimum of minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in business analysis, research administration, or enterprise system management.
• Experience working with complex ERP systems and/or enterprise research systems (i.e Coeus, InfoEd, Workday, Huron). Proven track record of managing large-scale ERP or eRA implementations (e.g., InfoEd, Workday, Huron).
• Expert-level SQL skills and experience with advanced data visualization/reporting tools (e.g., Cognos, Tableau).
• Preferred: experience in a high-volume, Tier-1 research environment.
• Preferred: Experience with data warehouse design and report writing; e.g. Cognos

Job Competencies

• Ability to accurately map complex business processes and ERP information architecture. Must possess an exacting attention to detail to ensure system configurations and process maps are error-free and easily understood by technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mastery of critical thinking to proactively mitigate risks. This includes the ability to anticipate system bottlenecks, identify scalable solutions, and manage "downstream" communication to all impacted parties.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a specific ability to translate technical jargon into "layman’s terms" for a diverse audience of faculty, staff, and senior administrators with varying levels of technical sophistication.
• Skilled in leading group activities, workshops, and project meetings. Ability to build consensus among stakeholders with competing priorities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Must be adept at managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while maintaining focus through routine interruptions and shifting institutional priorities.
• Proven track record of working with minimal supervision, demonstrating high levels of self-motivation, reliability, and the professional judgment to know when to escalate issues to leadership.

Additional Information 

Applicants are asked to include a cover letter and resume with their application. 

The successful candidate must reside in a state in which Brown is registered to conduct business.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.