Senior Research Specialist - Social Sciences

the University of Illinois Chicago•Rockford, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This individual will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of public health, education, and social service programs, with a particular focus on rural and underserved communities. This individual will also collaborate with internal and external partners to develop and support new and existing research and evaluation initiatives in the department. This position involves building and maintaining collaborations with university and community partners, leading projects, supervising project teams, and identifying and applying appropriate quantitative methodologies.

Requirements

Doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, DrPH) in Public Health or other social science discipline with a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience OR a master’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience.
Advanced statistical knowledge using appropriate statistical software such as SPSS, SAS, and/or R, and data management and visualization techniques.
Advanced knowledge and experience applying research principles, concepts, practices, and methods.
Experience with program evaluations, quantitative research methods and measurement, and inferential statistics.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including responsiveness, flexibility, and willingness to accommodate clients’ timelines and information needs.
Ability to supervise teams and manage/prioritize multiple projects and tasks concurrently.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with federal, state, and local partners to plan and conduct evaluations using sound research methods.
Experience with preparing and managing the IRB application process.
Experience with disseminating research and evaluation findings to a wide range of audiences.

Responsibilities

Formulate and conduct research and evaluation studies and analyses on projects in health promotion, disease prevention, health disparities, and population health.
Develop study methods, coordinate data collection, analyze, and disseminate results to a variety of audiences.
Prepare and maintain IRB applications as needed.
Coordinate all evaluation and technical assistance activities and ongoing communications with project partners.
Lead and supervise research associates and research assistants.
Prepare reports to meet grantee requirements.
Prepare papers, grants, and other documents for publication and presentation.
Network and obtain new evaluation contracts.
Build and maintain strong relationships with partner organizations by emphasizing high-quality customer service and effective communication.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.