Research Specialist - Social Sciences

Research Specialist - Social Sciences

Hiring Department: Psychiatry

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1043353

Salary: $80,000.00-$90,000.00; Commensurate with experience

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Position Summary

The Research Specialist contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute and interpret research projects. Specifically, this position will collaborate as a Response Training Support (RTS) staff with the principle investigator to design research protocols applicable to the Comprehensive Assessment and Response Training System (CARTS) program. This position also oversees implementation of the protocols and monitors results. The research protocols addressed involve collecting and analyzing data regarding patient progress during CATU hospitalization, developing discharge recommendations based on the data analyses and providing consultation to patient placement provider utilizing the data and recommendations for the purpose of improving ongoing treatment progress.

Duties & Responsibilities

Collaborate with Principle Investigator and researchers to develop objectives and design of research projects and proposals. Formulate and conduct research studies and analyses. Performs complex data collection and study methods. Analyze and evaluate research results. Replicate, refine and add new research approaches based on project needs. Test, customize and implement new methods and procedures. Develop and write advanced, comprehensive protocols. Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis. Propose and implement changes as needed. Contribute material, prepare results and assist in the writing of research findings for publications, papers, presentations, grants, and other documents for publication. Assist principal investigator in grant and manuscript submission. Guide, train and advise lower-level researchers and students on techniques, methods and procedures. Collaborates as a Response Training Support (RTS) staff with the Principle Investigator to design research protocols applicable to the Comprehensive Assessment and Response Training System (CARTS) program. Oversees implementation of the protocols and monitors results for CARTS program. Collect and analyze data regarding patient progress during CARTS hospitalization. Develop discharge recommendations based on the data analyses and provide consultation to patient placement provider utilizing the data and recommendations for the purpose of improving ongoing treatment progress. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social science or related field required. Master's degree in social science preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
• Current Illinois clinical licensure (e.g., LCSW, LCPC, or equivalent degree), or eligible for Illinois clinical licensure at the time of hire.
• Possesses and applies advanced knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced graduate degree in relevant scientific, social science, or research-related field.
• Experience working within therapeutic residential treatment settings and familiarity with program operations.
• Knowledge of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), child welfare systems, and related policies and practices.
• Experience working with adolescents impacted by relational trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and/or child abuse.

Benefits and Compensation:

The previously determined salary range for this position is $80,000.00-$90,000.00.

We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications. The final salary will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Please visit our department website at www.psych.uic.edu. Applicants must apply online at http://jobs.uic.edu and reference Job Requisition 1043353 and submit a CV, cover letter, and three names of references by 11/27/2026. The application review process will start after posting close date and will continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.