Research Development Associate

University of Utah Health Research; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Utah Health Research Office is seeking a Research Development Associate to coordinate strategic initiatives, support proposal development, and strengthen program operations. The role requires strong writing, coordination, and collaboration across campus partners.

As a central member of the HSRO team, you will translate priorities into work plans, manage communications, and assist with events and awards processes, reporting to the Senior Director of Research Program Development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) required.
• 4+ years of related work experience for II/III/IV levels.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage designated strategic research initiatives.
• Assist with program content, events, and communications.
• Prepare announcements, presentations, and reports.
• Support proposal development and team science activities.

Skills

Project coordination

Written communication

Relationship building

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Details Open Date 09/18/2026 Requisition Number PRN46245B Job Title Research Development Associate Working Title Research Development Associate Career Progression Track P00 Track Level P3 - Career, P2 - Developing, P4 - Advanced FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP Area U of U Health - Academics Department 01488 - Health Research Admin Office Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $63,775-$90,000 Close Date 12/18/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) The University of Utah Health Research Office ( HSRO ) seeks a Research Development Associate (Research Development Associate II/ III /IV, depending on qualifications) to coordinate and support a broad portfolio of research development activities across the HSRO Research Program Development Team. The position will provide day-to-day management of a designated strategic research initiative; help implement an institutional framework for identifying, prioritizing, and supporting honorific award nominations; support large research grant proposal development; support select workshops and events; and strengthen the operating systems that keep the team’s work moving. As a central member of the team, the Research Development Associate will work with faculty, initiative leaders, staff, and campus partners to translate priorities into organized work plans, coordinate people and information, communicate next steps, and deliver high-quality materials. The role is well suited to a resourceful professional who combines strong project coordination, communication, writing, relationship-building, attention to detail, and strong interest in academic research . The position will complete assignments of moderate scope and complexity with increasing independence and guidance from senior research development professionals. The Research Development Associate will report to the Senior Director of Research Program Development and will contribute flexibly to emerging and ongoing priorities across the HSRO . This position must be available for an in-person schedule per university policies, including occasional early-morning and evening activities associated with our office’s in-person workshops and events. About The University Of Utah Health Research Office The HSRO strengthens programs, departments, and colleges within University of Utah Health by providing strategic planning, decision support, goal setting, administrative and programmatic expertise, and program development. The Research Program Development Team helps develop and implement strategic research initiatives and other activities that build institutional research capacity. We prioritize team well-being, active collaboration, and a positive and supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth. Research Development Associate, CP Coordinate and support a variety of strategic and capacity-building activities to enable and enhance research efforts at the University. Perform tasks related to strategic research advancement, communicate research opportunities, and enhance collaboration. Assist with administrative functions for complex proposals, support data collection and reporting needs, and format and copy-edit documents. Disseminate grant opportunities, provide proposal-related metrics, organize events and seminars, and support community-building operations. Resolve varied problems requiring analysis and creativity while developing specialized skills through training and experience. Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget. Responsibilities HSRO Specific Responsibilities: Strategic Research Initiative Coordination: Coordinate operations of a designated strategic research initiatives . Develop and maintain work plans, meeting schedules, deliverables, and progress updates; support initiative leadership and committee activities; and coordinate budget tracking and reporting with appropriate partners. Identify, compile, and communicate relevant extramural funding opportunities. Develop content for a weekly initiative newsletter. Plan research community-building events, such as symposia, seminar series, networking sessions, and stakeholder meetings. Develop announcements, presentations, reports, and other materials for internal and external audiences. Proposal Development & Team Science: Coordinate the development of complex research proposals under the guidance of senior research development professionals. Organize funding opportunity kickoff sessions and team meetings, establish timelines and task assignments, maintain document-control processes, gather required components, and serve as a liaison among investigators, pre-award staff, and collaborating units or institutions. Contribute to proposal quality and readiness by editing drafts, writing or adapting nontechnical components, collecting institutional information and metrics, coordinating internal reviews, and helping ensure that materials are complete and responsive to sponsor and University requirements. Community Building: Support the design and delivery of networking events, symposia, workshops, professional trainings, and information sessions. Assist with program content, speakers, agendas, registration, materials, logistics, communications, participant evaluation, and follow-up. Build effective working relationships across the HSRO and with faculty, departments, colleges, and campus partners. Facilitate timely communication, follow-through, and resolution of routine project issues. Support University National Distinction: Help develop and maintain an institutional framework for honorific awards and other external recognition, including an awards calendar, candidate pipeline, monthly newsletter, reusable resources, and documented processes. Coordinate the development of individual nominations by establishing timelines and checklists; gathering nomination materials; coordinating letters, reviews, and approvals; maintaining confidential records; tracking submissions and outcomes; and developing templates and guidance. Other Research Development Activities: Support activities across our office’s existing initiatives and contribute to emerging institutional initiatives as needed. Attend and contribute to weekly Research Program Development team meetings. Other administrative assignments, as requested. CP Specific Descriptions Research Development Associate, II Build upon the foundational responsibilities of Research Development Associate I with expanded knowledge and greater independence. Identify areas of institutional research priorities, coordinate resources to promote collaboration, and serve as a representative to stakeholders. Manage strategic research initiatives, advise on proposal development, and execute communication strategies to inform stakeholders of research operations. Organize and lead interdisciplinary community-building activities, co-lead large proposal teams, and provide guidance to enhance research development strategies. Address varied issues requiring evaluation, interpretation, and innovation while contributing to the growth of the University’s research mission. Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience. This is a Developing-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P58452 Grade: P14 Expected Pay Range: $63,775 to $69,269 Research Development Associate, III Independently implement strategic and capacity-building activities to advance research initiatives. Represent the University to external visitors and partners, coordinate strategic research initiatives, and oversee pre-submission peer reviews of proposals. Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies, build competitive proposal teams, and participate as key personnel on proposals. Mentor other associates and proactively identify opportunities to grow the University’s research enterprise. Resolve complex problems requiring independent decision-making and strategic recommendations to enhance research outcomes.Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience. This is a Career-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P58453 Grade: P16 Expected Pay Range: $67,004 to $84,252 Research Development Associate, IV Implement advanced strategies to support and enhance research development initiatives at the University. Engage with political and corporate leaders, analyze outcomes, and mentor associates while managing multiple strategic initiatives. Develop institutional strategic directions, guide integrated research teams, and oversee internal and external reviews for proposals. Provide leadership in enhancing the University’s research profile and address complex operational challenges that require innovative solutions. Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience. This is an Advanced-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P58454 Grade: P18 Expected Pay Range: $75,024 to $90,000 Minimum Qualifications EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience). Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels: Research Development Associate, II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience. Research Development Associate, III : Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience. Research Development Associate, IV: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience. Preferences

• Master’s or PHD Degree
• Experience coordinating multiple projects, programs, or initiatives with overlapping timelines and stakeholders.
• Strong writing, editing, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with close attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and organizational levels while handling sensitive or confidential information with discretion.
• Experience in a university, academic medical center, health system, or research-intensive environment.
• Experience with scientific research.
• Familiarity with federal and state funding agencies, including the NIH , DoD, ARPA -H, NSF , and USHE .
• Flexibility and responsiveness in managing changing priorities and time-sensitive work.

The Ideal Candidate

• Thinks strategically about how to position research ideas for funding success
• Is comfortable working with senior faculty and guiding complex discussions
• Can balance big-picture thinking with attention to detail
• Excels at synthesizing and integrating information from multiple sources
• Thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

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