Research Specialist (Hourly)

Hiring Department: UIC Counseling Center

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1028822

Posting Close Date: January 8, 2025

Hourly Rate: $35-$40 per hour

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

The University of Illinois Chicago offers a very competitive benefits portfolio. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

Position Summary
The department of Public Health Initiatives engages in activities related to health education, public health preparedness, health policy advocacy, health equity, health literacy, and disease surveillance and mitigation. This position contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute, and interpret research projects. These efforts are essential to better understanding and supporting our students' complex and diverse health and well-being needs. Our efforts are also essential for ensuring a safe environment on UIC's campus through the isolation and quarantine of students who have been infected or exposed to a range of communicable diseases, including supporting students with COVID-19 infection.

Duties & Responsibilities

Collaborate with Director to develop, design, and conduct quantitative and qualitative research projects and proposals.

Provide quantitative analytic support for PHI.

Develop and perform complex data collection and study methods.

Lead analyses and evaluate research results.

Provide qualitative analytic support for PHI.

Build and develop qualitative data collection instruments (e.g., interview guides).

Assist with leading and/or guiding other staff members in conducting focus groups or semi-structured interviews, coding qualitative data, and with interpretation of results.

Perform literature searches, as needed to guide the analytical process and/or development of dissemination products,

Assist with the development of evaluation processes and instruments for PHI and Health and Well-being.

Assist with the development and implementation of regular student health and well-being data collection efforts.

Contribute material, prepare results, and assist in the writing of research findings for leadership and publication including (e.g., papers, presentations, grants, etc.).

Staff Management

Guide, train, and supervise students on techniques, methods, and procedures. Ensure data quality and consistency.

Perform other duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Sociology, or related field.
• Experience utilizing SAS/R or related analytical software.
• Experience conducting qualitative research, including using related qualitative analytical software (e.g., Dedoose, NVivo, Atlas Ti, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
A minimum of 1-year related research experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
2. Effective project management skills (e.g., excellent communication (written and verbal), organizational skills, and attention to detail).
3. Knowledge of statistical techniques.
4. Experience working with and analyzing large data sets.
5. Ability to easily translate complex data, trends, databases; and make recommendations to a diverse audience based on findings.

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.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation