Senior Research Associate

Mather Headquarters; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off (PTO)

401(k) with employer match

Parking or transit benefits

Wellness Spending Account

Benefits for medical, dental, vision

Job summary

Mather seeks a Senior Research Associate to lead research projects from concept to dissemination, partnering with internal teams, academics, and industry leaders to translate data into practical solutions.

This full-time, hybrid role involves travel to support initiatives across Mather locations in Illinois and beyond, with emphasis on advancing evidence-based insights and communicating findings to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in psychology, sociology, public health or health-related field.
• Experience leading or contributing to research projects including design, data collection, analysis and dissemination.
• Strong verbal and written communication; proficient with MS Office; skilled in database management (DBs).
• Ability to travel out-of-town on occasion and work with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and lead research programs and initiatives in senior living or related fields.
• Develop external partnerships; manage collaborative research efforts with partners to meet timelines.
• Lead day-to-day management of multiple research programs and related content, analyses, and evaluations.
• Collaborate on research design, instrument development, data collection, and data management.
• Prepare internal/external reports and manuscripts for publication and practice audiences.
• Review aging research trends to keep knowledge current and disseminate findings.

Skills

Research leadership

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

SPSS

Database management

Education

Doctoral degree in social psychology / sociology / public health

Tools

SPSS

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Mather, we're reimagining what it means to age well through award-winning wellness innovation, applied research, and a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for older adults to thrive. Mather Institute, a recognized leader in aging and senior living research, advances evidence-based insights that inform programs, services, and initiatives across wellness, engagement, workforce development, and social connection. As a Senior Research Associate, you will lead and manage research projects from concept through dissemination, partnering with internal teams, academic collaborators, and industry leaders to translate data into practical solutions. This role is ideal for a researcher who enjoys balancing independent project ownership with cross-functional collaboration, thrives in a dynamic applied research environment, and is passionate about making research accessible, and actionable. Early opportunities may include research on social connection and other wellness behaviors, such as physical activity, sleep, stress reduction, and healthy eating. We are seeking an adaptive and intellectually curious professional with exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong quantitative research expertise, proficiency in SPSS and database management, and a completed doctoral degree in social psychology, sociology, public health, or another health-related field. If you're excited by the opportunity to conduct research that influences practice, drives innovation, and contributes to the future of aging services, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a full-time, salaried hybrid role that includes regular travel to support research initiatives, partner collaboration, conferences, and project work across Mather locations in Illinois, Arizona, and Virginia.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct Research Programs and Initiatives: Conceptualize and lead implementation of new pilot research projects and research-related initiatives in senior living or the broader community.
• External partnership management: Develop partnerships with external research entities, lead collaborative research efforts with external partners, ensure project objectives and deadlines are met per timeline.
• Independent Research Management: Lead research projects and initiatives, management of day-to-day operations and implementation of multiple research programs, including content development/revisions, research and analysis, marketing, scheduling, implementation, and evaluation.
• Research Administration: Perform various internal and external research assignments. Collaborate with Mather researchers/staff regarding research design, instrument development, data collection, database development, data management, data collection, data analyses, and human subjects.
• Writing and Dissemination: Author internal/external research reports, manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed and industry journals, articles and summaries for practice audiences, and publications via web pages, newsletters, and other media. Present research findings to internal audiences and at professional conferences/seminars.
• Research and Trends Review: Examine trends in aging research and senior living industry to maintain current knowledge of research applications for the industry. Disseminate findings for benefit of Mather and/or external audiences.
• Support Mather efforts of Ways to Age Well.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required:

• Doctoral degree in psychology, sociology, public health or other health-related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading or substantially contributing to research projects, including study design, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of findings.
• 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 on occasion.

Preferred:

• 2+ years research/program evaluation experience.
• Experience related to gerontology or health and wellness.
• Skilled in advanced statistical analysis techniques and proficient with multiple statistical analysis software packages.

The salary range provided is a good faith estimate of what Mather reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting. The actual salary rate offered will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, certifications, years of experience, geographic location, and current market conditions. At Mather, we are committed to being inclusive, resilient, bold, and impactful—and that includes offering a total rewards experience designed to support our team members. This position may be eligible to participate in Mather’s benefit plan and Holiday Bonus, if applicable. Eligibility for benefits is dependent on employment status and hours worked per pay period. Participation in the Holiday Bonus is not guaranteed and may vary based on factors such as hire date and program eligibility requirements. All benefits are subject to change without notice.

Salary Pay Range

$102,000 - $112,000 USD

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
• Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Extended illness benefits
• Employee wellness programs
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance is available to benefit eligible 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 SM , 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.