Senior Research Associate

Mather; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off program

401(k) with employer match

Wellness Spending Account

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Tuition reimbursement for continuing education

Life insurance

Job summary

A not-for-profit organization dedicated to senior wellness seeks a Senior Research Associate in Evanston, Illinois. The role involves leading innovative pilot studies on wellness technologies, requiring a doctoral degree and strong communication skills. Ideal candidates will have experience in research related to older adults and must be willing to travel. This full-time position offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 2+ years research/program evaluation experience preferred.
• Experience in areas of older adult wellness preferred.
• Experience coordinating large scale research studies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead wellness tech pilot studies in senior living settings.
• Collaborate with research partners and vendors to meet project goals.
• Oversee project logistics including content development and evaluation.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office programs

Experience with SPSS

Ability to travel outside of Illinois

Outgoing and personable

Education

Doctoral degree in social psychology, kinesiology, or related field

Tools

SPSS

Job description

The Senior Research Associate leads innovative pilot studies exploring wellness technologies in senior living communities, including sleep, brain health, and posture/balance tools (e.g., Whoop wearable tracker). This full‑time, salaried position requires flexibility to work on‑site three days a week at Mather’s headquarters in Evanston, IL, and its luxury senior living communities in Wilmette, IL & Evanston, IL. The role also includes monthly out‑of‑state travel (estimated three days per month) to collaborate with teams at Mather’s communities in Tucson, AZ and Tysons Corner, VA. This role involves delivering engaging presentations and interactive demonstrations on wellness technologies to non‑academic audiences—translating complex research into accessible, actionable insights. Although the Senior Research Associate role offers hybrid flexibility, in‑person collaboration is essential to drive innovation, foster teamwork, and bring research to life.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead Pilot Research Programs – Design and implement wellness tech pilot studies in senior living settings.
• Manage External Partnerships – Collaborate with research partners and vendors to meet project goals and timelines.
• Oversee Research Operations – Run day‑to‑day project logistics, including content development, scheduling, and evaluation.
• Support Research Administration – Contribute to study design, data collection, analysis, and human subjects protocols.
• Write & Share Insights – Author industry reports, “orange papers,” and present findings to internal and external audiences.
• Stay Ahead of Trends – Monitor aging and wellness tech trends to inform research and share insights with stakeholders.
• Champion Aging Well – Support Mather’s mission and initiatives that promote wellness and innovation in aging.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required:

• Doctoral degree in social psychology, kinesiology, exercise science, public health or other health‑related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, proficient in Microsoft Office programs, experience with SPSS, skilled in management of databases.
• Goal‑driven and motivated to meet targets and deadlines, supports a teamwork environment, and is able to travel out‑of‑town.
• Outgoing and personable; Able to develop rapport and build relationships quickly with residents and colleagues.
• Ability to travel outside of Illinois.

Preferred:

• 2+ years research/program evaluation
• Experience related to areas of older adult wellness
• Experience coordinating large scale research studies
• Skilled in advanced statistical analysis techniques

Salary Pay Range: $95,000 USD - $108,000 USD

Benefits

Mather offers a competitive benefits package.*

Team members are eligible for:

• A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays. This is an “earn‑as‑you‑go” plan that rolls over year to year, offering long‑ and short‑term flexibility.
• A 401(k) program with per pay‑period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better)
• Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations)
• Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc.

Benefits‑eligible team members can take advantage of:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Extended illness benefits
• Employee wellness programs
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance
• Life insurance – free to all team members

*Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status.

About Mather

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non‑denominational, not‑for‑profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age Well™ , we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young‑at‑heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work® , and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.

Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.