Position Summary
The Translational Research Scientist leads and conducts innovative research in translational science, with a focus on bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world healthcare practice. This role is responsible for the design, execution, and implementation of research studies aimed at identifying, understanding, and reducing barriers to community engagement, research participation, and the adoption of evidence-based interventions.
The scientist collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, data scientists, public health professionals, and community partners to conduct high-quality, patient-centered research. The goal is to accelerate the integration of scientific discoveries into clinical and community settings, ultimately improving health outcomes and advancing health equity across diverse populations.
As a key member of the CESIS Program, the Translational Research Scientist supports multiple research and implementation initiatives within learning healthcare systems. This includes translating healthcare innovations into practice, advancing the field of implementation science, and contributing to healthcare improvement efforts at local, regional, and national levels.
Duties & Responsibilities
Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of translational and implementation science research projects. Develop and apply innovative methodologies to study and improve community engagement and research translation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary stakeholders to ensure research is patient-centered, equitable, and impactful. Establish and maintain robust multi-directional partnerships for research and community engagement initiatives. Promote community engagement research and training opportunities to UIC CCTS leadership and engage translational researchers and physician scientists to conceptualize and develop responsive grant applications. Identify funding opportunities and lead the development of competitive grant proposals focused on community engagement, research translation, and healthcare delivery improvement. Oversee the execution and management of funded projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements. Translate research findings into actionable strategies, including dissemination and implementation initiatives that promote adoption in clinical and community settings. Contribute to the advancement of implementation science through scholarly publications, presentations, and thought leadership. Write, edit, and proofread community engagement and research proposals, including research strategy components and supporting documents (biosketches, letters of support, institutional documents). Work with cross-functional teams to conceptualize and develop new research and programmatic initiatives aligned with organizational priorities. Work directly with principal investigators, sponsor investigators, industry sponsors, clinical trial study teams, and research administration to develop protocols for research, community engagement, and dissemination initiatives. Recruit, supervise, mentor, and train research staff, fellows, and students to build capacity in translational and implementation science.Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.