Research Specialist Jobs in Illinois

Senior Research Specialist - Social Sciences

Hiring Department: Division of Health Research and Evaluation

Location: Rockford, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1041631

Posting Close Date: August 3, 2026, at 6:00 pm (CDT)

Salary: The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000 annually. The final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

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.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary

This individual will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of public health, education, and social service programs, with a particular focus on rural and underserved communities. This individual will also collaborate with internal and external partners to develop and support new and existing research and evaluation initiatives in the department. This position involves building and maintaining collaborations with university and community partners, leading projects, supervising project teams, and identifying and applying appropriate quantitative methodologies.

Duties & 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.
• Coordinate 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.

Minimum 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.

To apply, you must include a cover letter, CV, and list three professional references.

We will begin reviewing applications on or around July 20, 2026, with full consideration given to those received by this date. However, we continue to welcome applications until August 3rd, 2026. Please note that applications received after July 20, 2026, may be considered as part of our ongoing search process, but early submission is encouraged for priority consideration.

Fullest consideration date: July 20, 2026, at 6:00 pm (CDT)

The search committee will review applications received before this date for early action.

Final date: August 3rd, 2026, at 6:00 pm (CDT)

Applications received through 8/3/26 will be accepted and reviewed until finalists are identified.

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

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.