Senior Research Associate or Senior Research Assistant, Maternal and Child Health, UMKC Institute for Human Development

Hiring Department

The University Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
Institute for Human Development (IHD)
University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)
UMKC is rated R1 by the Carnegie Research Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Job Description

The UMKC Institute for Human Development (IHD) is an applied research and training center for human services designed to exemplify the University's goals of engaged scholarship and community partnerships. Its functions include interdisciplinary training, applied research, community program development and information dissemination.

The IHD is seeking a Sr. Research Associate or Sr. Research Assistant with health-related community-based research and grants management experience to join the Maternal and Child Health team. The position will serve as the research portfolio lead for projects focused on maternal and child health. The researcher will lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of research and evaluation activities across multiple grant-funded projects. This role may manage multiple projects concurrently, aligning projects, managing day-to-day operations, ensuring high-quality product or outcome delivery, managing project timelines, and collaborating with teammates and external partners to drive measurable impact.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of multiple MCH-focused initiatives.
• Manage workplans, timelines, deliverables, and performance metrics across initiatives.
• Lead efforts in developing evaluation plans, frameworks and processes
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies as needed.
• Ensure compliance with funder requirements, contracts, and reporting obligations.
• Lead efforts in dissemination activities, including conference proposals, peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, and more
• Manage and respond to project-related internal and external communications
• Support cross-functional collaboration across research, communications, and administrative teams.
• Contribute to strategic planning and sustainability efforts across initiatives.
• Manage and mentor junior researchers

The successful candidate will demonstrate relevant training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

• Three or more years of experience with community-based research project management and outcome dissemination.
• Self-driven performance and initiative with strong skills in organizing and managing multiple projects.
• Knowledge of continuous quality improvement and evaluation frameworks.
• Familiarity with community-driven and family-centered approaches.
• Proficient in quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Experience with database building, maintenance, and management
• Attention to detail, independent work and problem solving
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel as needed
• Knowledge about and interest in health and maternal health
• Demonstrated experience or equivalent knowledge and skills, and relevant experience working with grants, research projects, data, and program evaluation are desirable.

Qualifications

Sr. Research Associate
Doctoral degree and one years of experience or type of experience.
Area of study in social work, public health, informatics, and social science, or related fields.

Sr. Research Assistant
Master's degree three years of relevant experience or type of experience
Area of study in social work, public health, informatics, and social science, or related fields.

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $68,000 to $80,000, commensurate with experience, education and internal equity.
Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Application Materials

To be considered, you must complete the application at https://www.umkc.edu/hr/careers/ including Legal Name, US employment eligibility, and current contact information. Upload all application materials (a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a list of references).

If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.

For questions about the position, please contact umkcfacultysearch@umkc.edu include the Job Identification number 59150 and name of the position.

Official transcripts will be required if a contract is extended.

Handling of Application Materials

After initial review by the committee all uploaded materials may be shared with all faculty in the prospective home department. For affiliations and joint appointments materials may be shared with all faculty in all departments involved.

Application Deadline

This position will remain open until filled.

Other Information

Please note that this position:

• Is a 12 month, full-time, benefit eligible, unranked/non-tenure track academic position.
• May require travel.
• 100% grant-funded and contingent on continued funding.
• Is 100% in person.

For more information about the Institute for Human Development, visit:
https://community.umkc.edu/engagements/umkc-institute-for-human-development/