Senior Research Associate

General Summary:

The LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston in the Gerontology Institute was created to combine the expertise of applied and academic researchers with the unique perspectives of providers and consumers of long-term services and supports (LTSS). The center conducts research aimed at transforming the way LTSS are financed, delivered, and experienced by older adults and their families. The Center conducts research and analysis, and works with policymakers and practitioners to advance innovation and quality improvements in policy and practice. To that end, the LTSS Center conducts research to advance issues in six major LTSS areas including: Workforce; Housing with services; Nursing homes; Financing; Aging and health; and Consumer engagement. Over the seven years, the LTSS Center has become a leading thought leader on issues affecting the financing and delivery of services to older Americans in need of LTSS services. The LTSS Center also braids together threads of community engagement, student training, and scholarship to create a fun and collaborative place to work.

The Senior Research Associate within the LTSS Center will be responsible for a variety of research-related activities including (1) initiating and assisting in the development of new research projects; (2) developing publications, blogs, webinars, and other dissemination activities to publicize the Center’s research findings; (3) provide project management support for various research initiatives in the Center; (4) collaborate with researchers in both the Boston and Washington, DC Offices, and (5) independently manage specific research projects. In short, the Senior Research Associate works with high degree of independence in initiating, assisting, seeking funds for, and carrying out research projects.

Examples of Duties:

Design competitive research projects, either in response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or investigator-initiated funding opportunities; ensure adherence to schedule and budget estimates for projects.

• Prepare and deliver written and oral presentations to clients.
• Both independently and in collaboration with other senior investigators, identify promising directions for research consistent with the mission of the LTSS Center and Institute.
• Develop and submit for publication in peer review journals articles that contribute to advancing the knowledge base.
• Initiate and facilitate regular communication with co-investigators on research projects.
• Manage research projects in a responsible and timely fashion, troubleshooting and identifying needed modifications, when difficulties arise.
• Work with the Director of Finance, Grants and Operations and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) to assure proposals meet both university and funding organization specifications and that funded projects are managed appropriately.
• Participate in recruiting, training and supervising Research Assistants for research projects; manage the efforts of graduate student employees, including recruiting and training.
• Develop and implement strategies for effective dissemination to interested parties, including national conference presentations, funding agencies and service providers.
• Maintain in an organized and accessible manner, all files, documents and reports related to Center projects.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Co-Directors of the LTSS Center.

Qualifications:

Social science doctoral degree and a minimum of five-seven (5-7) years of relevant work experience and quantitative research methods and skills are required. Prior experience with project management, research, and demonstrated ability to work independently required. Experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis, survey design, survey administration, data management and statistical analysis preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required. Training or work experience focusing on older populations is preferred.

• Proficiency in administrative software applications, including Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated competence in project management.
• Ability to work independently and to complete tasks, as well as the initiative to anticipate project needs and respond accordingly.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and duties while adhering to deadlines.
• Ability to independently gather, analyze and present statistical and demographic data.
• Ability to work harmoniously in a team environment.
• Ability to work with other University offices to execute contracts, ensure vendor payments, and manage Internal Review Board interactions.
• Ability to work under pressure and successfully manage multiple projects and duties within established timeframes.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to multi-task.
• Strong interpersonal and analytic skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and quality control, with a commitment to produce high-quality deliverables in a timely manner.
• Strong commitment to customer service.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.

Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link:

Grade: 32

Salary Ranges

This is an exempt union position. This is a grant funded position with a current end date of Feb 28, 2027, subject to renewal contingent on funding and university needs.

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.