Sr Research Associate

About the role

The UCIPR is seeking a Senior Research Associate to support the Institute's applied research activities, including survey research, public policy research, and program evaluation. The Senior Research Associate will work with University and external partners to identify research priorities, develop study objectives, and design, conduct, and communicate research findings. The position will lead research projects from study design through reporting, including stakeholder engagement, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Responsibilities also include proposal and grant development and submission, including study design, methodology development, budget preparation, and proposal writing. Additional responsibilities may include advising research partners on study design and survey methods, supervising and mentoring staff, undergraduate and graduate students, and supporting other Institute research activities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate research studies in the disciplines of life sciences, social sciences, environmental sciences, or public health.
• Make independent contributions to projects and studies based on professional training and experience.
• Perform statistical and graphical analysis of data, interpret data and assist in judging validity of data.
• Independently decide how to solve issues/problems and rely upon their own resources to resolve the issue.
• Contribute to the collective team effort.
• May establish test controls, criteria and research standards.
• May design complex data processing systems to analyze research data.
• Accomplish assigned results for project/studies, or for significant aspects of larger, complex assignments.
• Serve as a seasoned level researcher and may act as a mentor to junior-level research staff.
• May provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.).
• Perform related duties based on departmental need.

Requirements

• Experience using research, statistical analysis, survey, and data visualization tools (examples include SPSS, SAS, R, Qualtrics, RedCAP, WinCati/Sensus Web, Power BI, Tableau)
• Must have the ability to work as part of a dynamic team
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general office computer skills

Qualifications

• Master's degree in the social sciences, survey research, program evaluation, public policy, political science, psychology, sociology, education, public health or a related field is required; PhD strongly ideal.

Minimum Experience

• Three (3) to five (5) years experience (including advanced degree coursework) leading applied research projects including: direct contributions to a sustained program of externally funded research, including experience identifying funding opportunities, developing proposals, securing awards, and overseeing funded projects; development of surveys and interview/focus group protocols; implementation of complex survey designs and incorporation of complex sample designs in analysis and/or experience in assessment, monitoring and evaluation; direct supervision of project staff and/or undergraduate and graduate students.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Tuition Remission
• Robust Retirement Plans (OPERS, STRS, or ARP with UC contributing 14–18% of salary)
• 11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)
• 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities