Senior Research Specialist - Social Sciences

About the role

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) seeks a dynamic individual to lead public health, education, and social service programs, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This role involves collaborating with internal and external partners to develop and support research and evaluation initiatives within the department.

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.
• Cookordinate 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

This position is eligible for benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid Time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

How to Apply

To apply, you must include a cover letter, CV, and list three professional references. Applications will be reviewed starting July 20, 2026, with full consideration given to those received by this date. However, applications received after July 20, 2026, may still be considered as part of our ongoing search process, but early submission is encouraged for priority consideration.