Research Development Associate

Job Summary

Research Development Associate
Implement strategic and capacity-building activities to advance research initiatives. Coordinate, support, and run strategic development research initiatives. Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies, support data gathering for preliminary research and scholarship ideas. Provide guidance to enhance research development strategies. Mentor other associates and proactively identify opportunities to grow the University's research enterprise. Resolve complex problems requiring independent decision-making and strategic recommendations to enhance research outcomes.

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The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Objectives:

1. Help support research development programs within DFPM. This may include mentorship groups and writing groups.
2. Initiate data gathering, and provide basic data translation, for pilot research data and scholarship data. (accounts for 30-50% of duties/time)
3. Support the Utah Health Research Network (UHRN). Working with leadership to manage meetings, developing structure and SOPs, guiding, maintaining, and tracking projects, agenda items, and processes.
4. Understanding of University research services, groups, and systems.
5. Building relationships with other University divisions in ways that help support URHN growth as well as our research collaboration efforts generally.
6. Supports administrative research services: IRB assistance, survey creation, idea development, development of study protocols, literature assistance, manuscript editing/formatting, and poster creation.
7. May onboard, supervise, mentor and train new or junior research staff and students.

Research Development Associate, I

Coordinate and support a variety of strategic and capacity-building activities to enable and enhance research efforts at the University. Perform tasks related to strategic research advancement, communicate research opportunities, and enhance collaboration. Assist with administrative functions for complex proposals, support data collection and reporting needs, and format and copy-edit documents. Disseminate grant opportunities, provide proposal-related metrics, organize events and seminars, and support community-building operations. Resolve varied problems requiring analysis and creativity while developing specialized skills through training and experience. Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master's (or equivalency) degree. This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P58451 Grade: P12

Research Development Associate, II

Build upon the foundational responsibilities of Research Development Associate I with expanded knowledge and greater independence. Identify areas of institutional research priorities, coordinate resources to promote collaboration, and serve as a representative to stakeholders. Manage strategic research initiatives, advise on proposal development, and execute communication strategies to inform stakeholders of research operations. Organize and lead interdisciplinary community-building activities, co-lead large proposal teams, and provide guidance to enhance research development strategies. Address varied issues requiring evaluation, interpretation, and innovation while contributing to the growth of the University's research mission. Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience. This is a Developing-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P58452 Grade: P14

Research Development Associate, III

Independently implement strategic and capacity-building activities to advance research initiatives. Represent the University to external visitors and partners, coordinate strategic research initiatives, and oversee pre-submission peer reviews of proposals. Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies, build competitive proposal teams, and participate as key personnel on proposals. Mentor other associates and proactively identify opportunities to grow the University's research enterprise. Resolve complex problems requiring independent decision-making and strategic recommendations to enhance research outcomes. Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience. This is a Career-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P58453 Grade: P16

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Research Development Associate, I: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) with up to 2 years of directly related work experience or a master's (or equivalency) degree.
Research Development Associate, II: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
Research Development Associate, III: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Target Characteristics:

• Broad grasp of modern science techniques and approaches deriving. Strong understanding of SQL, light understanding of R or Python helpful.
• Analytical, creative, perceptive.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, while maintaining sight of the big picture.
• Conceptual thinker.
• Displays integrity, flexibility, and ability to prioritize and to work under a deadline.
• Self-motivated; spots problems and proactively works to craft solutions.
• Extends and receives criticism and feedback thoughtfully.
• Works effectively with a variety of groups of individuals.
• Has a positive attitude; is approachable and generous.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN43887B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday - Friday
Department: 00958 - DFPM-Administration
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $50,000-$77,167
Close Date: 1/7/2026
Open Until Filled:
To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/193923