Research Associate (Rural Health)

JOB SUMMARY

The Innovations Institute at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work seeks a Research Associate 1 to support the evaluation of the Connecticut Rural Health Transformation Program (CT RHTP), a five-year, statewide initiative funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services. The evaluation team is responsible for developing and implementing an overarching framework to measure implementation, outcomes, and sustainability across 30 projects spanning four initiative areas: Population Health, Workforce, Data and Technology, and Care Transformation and Stability. Positions with the Innovations Institute are fully remote, with expected travel to UConn's Hartford Campus twice annually.

The Research Associate 1 will work with the project Principal Investigator and Co-Directors to contribute methodological and analytic expertise across the CT RHTP evaluation and will report to the Principal Investigator. This includes assisting with facilitating, and when appropriate, leading the design of research and evaluation plans, conducting quantitative and mixed-methods analyses, translating findings into products for diverse audiences, and providing technical assistance to project teams, state agencies, and community partners. The Research Associate 1 will also contribute to cross-project learning and continuous quality improvement, co-author academic and public-facing products, and help ensure that data security, privacy, and compliance requirements are met across all participating entities. This position also requires project management, including communicating with project staff and external partners, facilitating meetings, and coordinating and aligning efforts across projects and initiatives. This position is well suited to a doctoral-level researcher with training and experience in health services research, program evaluation, and implementation science, and a strong interest in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with, facilitate, and co-lead the design and development of research and evaluation plans, including study design, sampling, measurement, data collection procedures, and analytic strategy across assigned projects.
• Work directly with stakeholders and project teams to identify research and evaluation needs and translate them into rigorous, feasible study designs that support continuous quality improvement (CQI) and evaluation goals.
• Assist with, facilitate, and co-lead quantitative and mixed-methods analytic plans, applying appropriate statistical methods and interpreting findings to generate actionable insights.
• Manage complex data sets and primary data using statistical software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, SAS, R, STATA), and establish processes to ensure data quality, accuracy, and analysis readiness.
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize evidence to inform study design, contextualize findings, and support evidence-based recommendations.
• Provide technical assistance to service providers and public agencies in developing data collection procedures, building instruments, reviewing data, and resolving data quality issues.
• Develop data visualizations tailored to internal and external stakeholders that clearly communicate complex findings.
• Facilitate the preparation and management of Data Use Agreements (DUAs), IRB submissions, and related compliance documentation.
• Independently write and co-author products, including academic manuscripts, public-facing one-pagers, and technical reports for decision-makers.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to graduate students and other research staff on data collection, analysis, storage, and reporting, and review their work for quality and accuracy.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in program evaluation, implementation science, and quantitative data analysis for internal and external partners.
• Assist with the Rural Health Evaluation Advisory Board and the evaluators' Community of Practice (CoP).
• Coordinate and facilitate internal and external communications and meetings.
• Co-author manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at academic and professional conferences.
• Contribute to the development and writing of federal, state, and private grant proposals.
• Contribute to and manage work plans, ensuring milestones and reporting deadlines are met.
• Perform other duties as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Education, Public Policy, Public Health, Health Science, Statistics, Economics, or another field of study related to research.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relevant subject-matter knowledge related to rural health, health services, program evaluation, and the RHTP initiative areas.
• Experience performing literature reviews and presenting results.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research study design and data collection procedures, and the ability to understand and use scientific terminology and research theory.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regulations governing the confidentiality of subjects and the ability to maintain the confidentiality of information obtained.
• Evidence of skill in statistical programming, data and statistical analysis, and interpreting findings using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, STATA).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects at once, respond to tight timelines, pay close attention to detail, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Social Sciences, Social Work, Education, Public Policy, Public Health, Health Science, Statistics, Economics, or another field of study related to research.
• Experience developing and maintaining effective working relationships with partners, including funders, internal colleagues, and other stakeholders, and partnering with diverse stakeholders to develop research agendas related to outcomes, feedback, and evaluations.
• Demonstrated skill in using measurable and verifiable information for making decisions and judgments.
• Experience supervising or mentoring graduate students, trainees, or junior research staff in a research or evaluation setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of implementation science, rapid-cycle evaluation, and data visualization.
• Experience supervising other analysts, including drafting evaluation plans.
• Demonstrated ability to convey complex information clearly, in writing and orally, so that it is easily understood by stakeholders and organizations.
• Stated willingness to learn and effectively use new technology, maintaining productivity and using strategies to increase knowledge base.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, end-dated position with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and available funding. Positions with the Innovations Institute are fully remote and expected to travel to UConn's Hartford Campus once a year at the employee's expense. Candidates who reside in Connecticut to engage in in-person project activities are preferred. The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $111,000, commensurate with education and experience.

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits, please visit UConn Health Benefits and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers.  Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499856 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on December 1, 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.