"Senior Research Associate"

Senior Research Associate

Department: COSW Institute for Families in Society

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Advertised Salary Range: Salary commensurate with qualifications

About UofSC
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Advertised Job Summary
The Institute for Families in Society (IFS) at the University of South Carolina (USC) is on the cutting edge of health services research, emphasizing data-driven applications and policy formulation. Our Division of Integrated Health and Policy Research (IHPR) leads health care and public policy initiatives, focusing on families and communities, especially those with low incomes or limited access to health services. Our work integrates data science, data visualization, health services, and health policy research to improve outcomes for mothers, infants, and families across South Carolina. We bring expertise in maternal and child health, program evaluation, implementation science, applied research, and healthcare quality improvement and efficiency. Through rigorous data analysis, we help policymakers, healthcare providers, payers, and communities identify effective strategies, allocate resources strategically, and advance improved health outcomes.

Required Education and Experience
(Details not specified in the text)

Preferred Qualifications
Terminal Degree, such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or an equivalent combination of certification, education, and experience in Maternal and Child Health. 7 years of experience, mostly directly related to maternal and child health, including at least 2 years of managerial experience. 3 years of experience in Medicaid or other maternal and child health-related initiatives and data sources. Board-Certified DNP specializing in maternal and child health or PHD/DrPH with an extensive MCH practice and research background, emphasizing contracts and grants. Extensive experience in maternal and child health care, including prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric care. Experience managing grants, contracts, and/or projects, ensuring that Goals and Objectives are met, and a track record in procuring external funding.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced environment in a deadline-oriented department. Ability to quickly learn new applications and concepts. Principles and practices of program planning, maternal and child health service delivery models, preventive health practices, organization of health care systems, and current trends that affect these systems. Extensive knowledge of institutional data sources necessary to conduct research, program planning, and evaluation, e.g., Medicaid Claims, Birth Certificate, hospital Records, national surveys, and data sources available to understand maternal and child issues at differing levels of geography, community, state, and national. Highly developed verbal and written communication skills demonstrate the ability to present and communicate complex technical information, problems, and alternative solutions to a broad range of technical and non-technical staff. Excellent organizational, leadership, and time management skills. High accuracy, attention to detail, multitasking ability, and adherence to deadlines and ethical and legal standards in institutional research. Proven track record in leadership roles within applied health service settings, preferably in maternal and child health. Proven record of understanding health policy and service delivery implementation. Knowledge of chronic conditions and the needs of women and families, especially during pregnancy and early childhood. Knowledge of labor and delivery and postpartum care practices at the individual, provider, and hospital levels. Ability to advocate for maternal and child health issues at the state and national levels. Ability to apply evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes, such as quality indicators and measuring outcomes. Expertise in both academic and applied writing and data results translation.

Job Close Date
09/05/2025

Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by September 5, 2025. To apply, please visit: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/193536