Senior Research Associate

UMass Boston•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Senior Research Associate will play a leadership role in advancing the National Collaboratory to Address Elder Mistreatment (NCAEM), Phase IV: Integrating Elder Mistreatment Prevention and Intervention in Mainstream Health and Social Care for Older Adults. NCAEM is a national initiative designed to embed elder mistreatment (EM) prevention and intervention within mainstream health systems, state aging networks, and Medicare Advantage health plans. Building on prior momentum, Phase IV focuses on integrating EM into broader aging initiatives, identifying supportive policy and payment pathways, translating evidence into practice, and strengthening sustainability. The Senior Research Associate will work with a high degree of independence and in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator(s) and national partners to implement strategic action plans across three key settings—health systems, states, and health plans. The position is responsible for leading and managing core project components including working group strategic plans, development of implementation-science informed products, evaluation and mapping of evidence, mentorship program leadership, strategic dissemination, and sustainability planning. This role requires strong project management and research expertise, the ability to engage national stakeholders and advisory board members, and experience translating research into policy and practice. The Senior Research Associate will contribute to positioning NCAEM as a dynamic national coalition driving systemic integration of elder mistreatment prevention and intervention into health and social care systems serving older adults.

Requirements

Social science master’s degree required
A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience
Quantitative research methods and skills are required
Prior experience with project management, research, and demonstrated ability to work independently required
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required

Nice To Haves

Social science doctoral degree preferred
Experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis, survey design, survey administration, data management and statistical analysis preferred
Training or work experience focusing on older populations is preferred
Proficiency in administrative software applications, including Microsoft Office
Knowledge of and demonstrated competence in multi-site project management
Ability to work independently and to complete tasks, as well as the initiative to anticipate project needs and respond accordingly
Ability to successfully manage multiple project components and duties while adhering to deadlines
Ability to independently gather, analyze and present statistical and demographic data
Ability to work harmoniously in a team environment
Manage Internal Review Board interactions
Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong time management skills, with the ability to multi-task
Strong interpersonal and analytic skills
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and quality control, with a commitment to produce high quality deliverables in a timely manner

Responsibilities

Design competitive research projects, either in response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or investigator-initiated funding opportunities
Prepare and deliver written and oral presentations to clients; partners
Both independently and in collaboration with other senior investigators, identify promising directions for research consistent with the mission of the NCAEM
Develop and submit for publication in peer review journals articles that contribute to advancing the knowledge base
Initiate and facilitate regular communication with co-investigators on research projects
Manage research projects in a responsible and timely fashion, troubleshooting and identifying needed modifications, when difficulties arise
Participate in recruiting, training and supervising Research Assistants for research projects; manage the efforts of graduate student employees, including recruiting and training
Develop and implement strategies for effective dissemination to interested parties, including national conference presentations, funding agencies and service providers
Maintain in an organized and accessible manner, all files, documents and reports related to projects
Participate in all team meeting and external meetings
Plan and execute virtual focus groups
Participate in qualitative analysis and interpretation
Work collaboratively to produce written materials and reports for external funders