Senior Research Associate

UMass Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Boston is seeking a Senior Research Associate to lead the National Collaboratory to Address Elder Mistreatment (NCAEM) Phase IV. You will work with the Principal Investigators and national partners to implement strategic action plans across health systems, states, and health plans.

The role requires strong project management, quantitative and qualitative research expertise, and the ability to translate research into policy and practice.

Qualifications

• Social science master's degree required with 3–5 years of relevant work experience and experience in quantitative research methods and skills.
• Social science doctoral degree preferred.
• Prior experience with project management, research, and ability to work independently.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Design competitive research projects and pursue opportunities (RFPs or investigator-initiated).
• Prepare and deliver written and oral presentations to clients and partners.
• Identify promising research directions in alignment with NCAEM’s mission (independently or with senior investigators).
• Develop and submit for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Initiate and facilitate regular communication with co-investigators on projects.
• Manage research projects responsibly, troubleshoot and adjust as needed.
• Recruit, train and supervise Research Assistants and graduate student employees.
• Develop and implement dissemination strategies for national conferences, funding agencies and service providers.
• Maintain organized and accessible project files and documentation.
• Participate in team and external meetings.
• Plan and run virtual focus groups.
• Participate in qualitative analysis and interpretation.
• Produce written materials and reports for external funders.

Skills

Quantitative research methods

Qualitative data analysis

Statistical analysis

Oral and written communication

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in social science

Doctoral degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

General Summary:

The Senior Research Associate will play a leadership role in advancing the National Collaboratory to Address Elder Mistreatment (NCAEM), Phase IV: Integrating Elder Mistreatment Prevention and Intervention in Mainstream Health and Social Care for Older Adults. NCAEM is a national initiative designed to embed elder mistreatment (EM) prevention and intervention within mainstream health systems, state aging networks, and Medicare Advantage health plans.

Building on prior momentum, Phase IV focuses on integrating EM into broader aging initiatives, identifying supportive policy and payment pathways, translating evidence into practice, and strengthening sustainability.

The Senior Research Associate will work with a high degree of independence and in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator(s) and national partners to implement strategic action plans across three key settings‑health systems, states, and health plans. The position is responsible for leading and managing core project components including working group strategic plans, development of implementation‑science informed products, evaluation and mapping of evidence, mentorship program leadership, strategic dissemination, and sustainability planning.

This role requires strong project management and research expertise, the ability to engage national stakeholders and advisory board members, and experience translating research into policy and practice. The Senior Research Associate will contribute to positioning NCAEM as a dynamic national coalition driving systemic integration of elder mistreatment prevention and intervention into health and social care systems serving older adults.

Examples of Duties:

• Design competitive research projects, either in response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or investigator-initiated funding opportunities;
• Prepare and deliver written and oral presentations to clients; partners;
• Both independently and in collaboration with other senior investigators, identify promising directions for research consistent with the mission of the NCAEM;
• 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;
• 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 projects;
• Participate in all team meeting and external meetings;
• Plan and execute virtual focus groups;
• Participate in qualitative analysis and interpretation;
• Work collaboratively to produce written materials and reports for external funders.

Qualifications:

Social science master's degree required and a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience and quantitative research methods and skills are required. Social science doctoral degree preferred. 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 multi-site 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 project components 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
• * Manage Internal Review Board interactions;
• * 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;

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 August 31, 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 [e-mail] or 617-287-5150.