Research Associate II - Social Sciences

Research Associate II – Social Sciences

Hiring Department: Psychiatry

Location: 1747 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL, 60608

Requisition ID: 1029258

Posting Close Date: 02/04/2025

Job Summary:

The Institute for Juvenile Research (IJR) in the Department of Psychiatry is seeking a full time Research Associate II – Social Sciences for the ACCESS for Mental Health Lab, directed by Dr. Tara G. Mehta and housed within IJR. Our lab is dedicated to alleviating disparities in access to mental health services for children and families, with a focus on vulnerable populations (e.g., urban poverty, ethnic/racial minorities). The research assistant/associate will support the research efforts of the ACCESS for Mental Health Lab, specifically a NIMH-funded R01 study titled “Patient Navigators for Children’s Community Mental Health Services in High Poverty Urban Communities”. The purpose of the study is to examine the effectiveness of peer-support specialists as navigators in engaging families within children’s mental health systems for Black and Latinx children, aged 0-14, who live in high poverty urban communities.

This position entails a variety of skills and tasks dealing with the execution of a large, longitudinal community-based research study. The successful candidate will be exceptionally detail oriented, possess strong oral and written communication skills, be able to juggle multiple tasks, and have strong interpersonal skills. Specific tasks include following established research protocols to recruit and consent participants, collecting and managing quantitative and qualitative data, coordinating the maintenance of data collection and analyses tools (e.g., via REDCap), and maintaining positive relationships with community partners. Additionally, two or more years of experience in a clinical (human subjects) research setting (or equivalent combination of education and experience), ability to speak Spanish (to recruit, consent, and communicate with Spanish-speaking participants) , and prior experience with data processing and statistical software (e.g. REDCap, Microsoft and Google suites, SPSS/R), as well as human subjects research (IRBs), are preferred but not required. The candidate will also prepare research results for presentations and reports, with opportunities to contribute to publications, grants, and presentations. The candidate may perform other duties related to psychological research and participate in special projects as assigned.

Job Responsibilities (Essential Duties):

• Perform surveys, interviews, observations, or use other methods (e.g., recruit and consent participants) according to established research protocols.
• Attend community meetings and maintain positive relationships with community partners.
• Collect, process, and analyze data. Summarize research and test results.
• May assist with study protocol development.
• Coordinate the ordering, inventory, and maintenance of equipment, instruments, and data collection and analysis tools.
• Prepare and contribute statistical data and pertinent information for papers, grants, and other documents.
• Complete required documentation for regulatory agencies.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

This job description reflects the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Nothing restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Job Knowledge & Skills, Education, Experience:

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field required. A minimum of one-year related research experience. Knowledge of research concepts, practices, and procedures.

Benefits and Compensation:

The previously determined salary range for this position is $45,000.00 to $60,000.00.

We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, and candidate experience and qualifications. The final salary will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

The University of Illinois Chicago offers a very competitive benefits portfolio. Click for a complete list of Benefits - System Human Resource Services.

All candidates must complete and submit a Cover Letter, along with their CV/resume, to the document portion of the application using the following UIC Job Board link:

https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit:

https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an equal opportunity employer including Disability/Vets. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

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