Research Assistant I

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

1d

About The Position

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans. UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only): Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only) Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000 Career Training and Educational Opportunities Merchant Discounts Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) is a health policy organization that is administratively housed within the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Since its inception in 1998, ACHI has become widely recognized as a reliable source for local and national health and health industry information. This includes providing critical data, analyses, and strategies that drive decisions and shape health policy. ACHI has served as a major contributor and trusted health policy leader in statewide efforts to improve the health of Arkansans and to drive innovation and efficiency for the state’s healthcare delivery system. The Research Assistant will primarily support ACHI’s Health Policy team by contributing to a variety of policy, research, and grant-related activities. A successful candidate should have strong writing, organizational, and critical thinking skills and interest in building experience in health policy and research. Duties will include supporting research activities by conducting literature reviews, background research, and data compilation to inform policy work, publications, and internal project development. This individual will assist with policy analyses related to healthcare system access, quality, financing, and population health. This individual will work with key personnel on identifying funding opportunities; prepare, edit and critique grant proposals; and ensure adherence to formatting and submission guidelines.

Requirements

• Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in social science, Public Policy, Health Administration, Finance/Economics, or related field plus one (1) year of experience in research, policy analysis, or editing/writing. Or Master’s degree plus one (1) year of relevant experience.
• Advanced knowledge of English grammar, syntax, usage, and editing marks and proficiency in communicating effectively in written and spoken English.
• General knowledge of style, content, and format requirements used in grant applications and medical journals.
• Basic knowledge of journal publication process, grant peer-review process, and sources of grant funding.
• Intermediate knowledge of organizational, visual, and textual factors that promote readability, as well as ways to appropriately present numerical data.
• Broad knowledge of grant writing for federal and foundation sources.
• Mastery of word processing and a working knowledge of desktop publishing.
• Must have the ability to: Work closely with investigators in preparing grant applications and manuscripts by providing editorial and writing assistance to effectively communicate scientific research ideas and data.
• Work both independently and as part of a team.
• Think critically and organize information into a logical and compelling format.
• Respond to changing priorities and assignments.
• Meet deadlines and/or work on a deadline-driven schedule.

Responsibilities

• Research and Policy Support (50%) Conduct research/policy analysis using source material such as journals, periodicals, historical records, legislation, and related reports and/or conduct interviews with project participants to gather data.
• Conduct literature reviews, background research, and data compilation.
• Review research and policy information for accuracy and industry validity.
• May extract, organize, and prepare data for reports, presentations, and other deliverables according to project guidelines Prepare and format materials used in policy presentations, stakeholder meetings, and internal planning.
• Assist in grant proposal development and activities related to grant-funded projects.
• Grant Development and Funding Support (40%) Identify and track potential funding opportunities to advance ACHI objectives.
• Contribute to the preparation, editing, and formatting of grant applications, progress reports, and related materials.
• Assist with organizing and coordinating grant-related meetings and internal reviews.
• Collaborate with key personnel to ensure grant materials meet submission guidelines and funder requirements for clarity, accuracy, and formatting.
• Participate in the development of grant narratives and supplemental materials under the guidance of senior staff.
• Meets deadlines for assigned projects and communicate with the Policy Director if delays are expected or occur.
• Other duties as assigned (10%) Professional development and other duties assigned, such as strategic planning, creating a project schedule, setting deadlines, and facilitating effective communication and interaction among investigators and staff.
• Develop and/or maintain professional knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education activities and professional organizations.
• Remain current on style, content, format, and general guideline requirements for major federal funders (e.g., NIH).
• Stay abreast of trends in the federal funding environment and grant review process.

Benefits

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level