Research Associate I

The University has identified one or more qualified candidates for potential appointment to this position. This posting is being provided in accordance with Colorado law and University procedures to provide notice of the opportunity. Other candidates may apply during the posting period; however, the existence of this posting does not necessarily indicate that the University is conducting a competitive search or that additional applicants will be interviewed.

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is a specialized program within the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver which intentionally elevates the value of the living world and the interrelationship and health of people, other animals, and the environment. This is accomplished through social science-informed education, applied knowledge, research and advocacy, with an ethical regard for all species. Focusing on two core areas of Human-Animal Interactions and Mental Health and Human-Animal Interactions and Equity, IHAC operationalizes its mission through innovation in education, research and advocacy.

Position Summary

The Research Associate I will be an integral member of the IHAC Research program and is responsible for overseeing project management including data collection, managing internal project teams, helping supervise Research Fellow(s), overseeing research assistants, and may mentor graduate student interns. The Research Associate I is also responsible for giving input on grant proposals, contributing to study design, statistical analysis and interpretation, participating in qualitative analysis and interpretation, and helping to write manuscript and conference abstracts for research projects. This person may assist with designing a portfolio of studies that measures how incorporating justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations in companion animal welfare programs can promote positive health outcomes. The Research Associate I engages as a collaborative partner with the Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators, Research Fellows, Research Assistants, external agencies, and community stakeholders to implement research activities.

This is a full-time position that is currently funded through June 2027. This position includes travel, as needed, to implement research and disseminate findings. This position could be structured as a remote position, provided the Research Associate I is readily available for meetings by Zoom during regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 9AM – 5PM Mountain Time). Our remote team members may be asked to travel to be in-person for special events (e.g., conferences, trainings, annual meetings, public events).

Essential Functions

In addition to following the University of Denver’s policies and procedures, principal responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Project Management 
• Project Design 
• Data Collection, Management, and Analysis 
• Reporting and Publications 
• Collaboration 
• Proposals 
• Supervision & Hiring 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Broad array of research skills, including qualitative and/or quantitative methods, statistical analysis, and interpretation
• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and with research and evaluation participants, sponsors, supervisees, and university staff
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in one or more additional languages (beyond English), with particular interest in Spanish
• Strong understanding of inferential statistics and/or qualitative analysis techniques
• Intermediate to advanced user of Excel, SPSS, and Dedoose or comparable software
• Demonstrated skills and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the ability to approach work with diverse communities with respect and humility, as a listener and learner.
• Experience translating research findings into practice with multiple audiences using a variety of techniques.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate degree in the social or physical sciences (MA, MS, MSW) plus 3 or more years of direct research experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience in related fields (e.g. animal sheltering or animal control outreach services, community organizing, human service case management, public health administration, environmental health and safety)
• Two or more years of experience in research or evaluation of interventions including participating in the implementation of quantitative and/or qualitative research or evaluation studies and ability to lead components of these studies
• One year of experience in project management, including supervising and/or coordinating the work of teams, providing strategy and support to leadership, and managing time effectively

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.
• Working remotely is an option

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus.

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 6:00 p.m. (MST) October 18, 2026.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is GE10.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $60,000-$71,500.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.