Research Associate III

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, apply via Workday. Closing date: 08/29/2026.

About the Role

Reporting to the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine (DFPM), Research and Evaluation Division Assistant Director, the Early Childhood Education Research Associate III will initiate pilots, write grant applications, manage grant deliverables, and provide program evaluation for multiple early childhood education research projects and grants. This position will be responsible for key deliverables and measuring activity effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement research program evaluation protocols, including both qualitative and quantitative design and analysis.
• Work on multiple programs in the child and family services sector, including maternal and child wellbeing and mental health programs.
• Assist faculty in grant and contract applications, including work plan, budget, assessment of resources, and developing an evaluation plan.
• Execute awarded grants and contracts to ensure successful accomplishment of project outcomes following the established protocol.
• Create project timelines, strategies for content development, and processes for execution of deliverables.
• Prepare grant reports for funders based on outcomes data, including technical writing, narrative description, and data visualization.
• Ensure compliance within the division of UAMS policies and procedures.
• Support staff with needed resources, mentoring, and training.
• Represent research faculty with state and community partners in the work.
• Build relationships with partner organizations to accomplish deliverables and effectively manage program deliverables.
• Deliver community-based trainings across Arkansas and perform outreach functions to meet participant recruitment goals.
• Work with key staff to promote the Division of Research and Evaluation to various stakeholder groups.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social work, or a related field plus six (6) years of research-related experience in early childhood education policy, educator training, community research, child development research, early childhood education programs, or a related field. Education may substitute for some years of experience.
• Arkansas Driver’s License and ability to travel within Arkansas and outside for trainings and project meetings.

Skills

• Experience in research outcomes evaluation, early childhood education, or social sciences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Preferred: Master's degree in a social science or related field.
• Preferred: Certificate of advanced training in evaluation and data management for research.
• Preferred: Experience with early childhood policy, data outcomes evaluation, community engagement, qualitative data analysis, and statistical methods.
• Preferred: Microsoft Power BI, database management, research data collection, survey design, SPSS, SQL, SAS, NVivo, or other evaluation software.

Benefits

• 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.

Additional Information

• Salary commensurate with education and experience.
• Required documents: List of three professional references (name, email, business title), Proof of Veteran Status, Resume.
• Optional documents: Proof of Veteran Status.
• Pre-employment screening: Motor Vehicle Reports Check, criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification.
• Constant physical activity: Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding.
• Frequent physical activity: Grasping, Hearing, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Talking.
• Occasional physical activity: Feeling, Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Standing, Stooping, Walking.