Senior Research Associate
About The Position
At Mather, we're reimagining what it means to age well through award-winning wellness innovation, applied research, and a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for older adults to thrive. Mather Institute, a recognized leader in aging and senior living research, advances evidence-based insights that inform programs, services, and initiatives across wellness, engagement, workforce development, and social connection. As a Senior Research Associate, you will lead and manage research projects from concept through dissemination, partnering with internal teams, academic collaborators, and industry leaders to translate data into practical solutions. This role is ideal for a researcher who enjoys balancing independent project ownership with cross-functional collaboration, thrives in a dynamic applied research environment, and is passionate about making research accessible, and actionable. Early opportunities may include research on social connection and other wellness behaviors, such as physical activity, sleep, stress reduction, and healthy eating. We are seeking an adaptive and intellectually curious professional with exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong quantitative research expertise, proficiency in SPSS and database management, and a completed doctoral degree in social psychology, sociology, public health, or another health-related field. If you're excited by the opportunity to conduct research that influences practice, drives innovation, and contributes to the future of aging services, we'd love to hear from you. This is a full-time, salaried hybrid role that includes regular travel to support research initiatives, partner collaboration, conferences, and project work across Mather locations in Illinois, Arizona, and Virginia.
Requirements
- Doctoral degree in psychology, sociology, public health or other health-related field.
- Demonstrated experience leading or substantially contributing to research projects, including study design, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of findings.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, proficient in Microsoft Office programs, experience with SPSS, skilled in management of databases.
- Goal-driven and motivated to meet targets and deadlines, supports a teamwork environment, and is able to travel out-of-town on occasion.
Nice To Haves
- 2+ years research/program evaluation experience.
- Experience related to gerontology or health and wellness.
- Experience coordinating large scale projects.
- Skilled in advanced statistical analysis techniques and proficient with multiple statistical analysis software packages.
Responsibilities
- Conceptualize and lead implementation of new pilot research projects and research-related initiatives in senior living or the broader community.
- Develop partnerships with external research entities, lead collaborative research efforts with external partners, ensure project objectives and deadlines are met per timeline.
- Lead research projects and initiatives, management of day-to-day operations and implementation of multiple research programs, including content development/revisions, research and analysis, marketing, scheduling, implementation, and evaluation.
- Perform various internal and external research assignments. Collaborate with Mather researchers/staff regarding research design, instrument development, data collection, database development, data management, data collection, data analyses, and human subjects.
- Author internal/external research reports, manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed and industry journals, articles and summaries for practice audiences, and publications via web pages, newsletters, and other media. Present research findings to internal audiences and at professional conferences/seminars.
- Examine trends in aging research and senior living industry to maintain current knowledge of research applications for the industry. Disseminate findings for benefit of Mather and/or external audiences. Support Mather efforts of Ways to Age Well.
Benefits
- A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays.
- A 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better)
- Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations)
- Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc.
- Medical, dental, and vision plans
- Paid Parental Leave
- Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
- Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
- Extended illness benefits
- Employee wellness programs
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance is available to benefit eligible team members.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
