Senior Research Associate

University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Full Time

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Posting Summary

Logo For Posting Posting Number RTF00106PO25 USC Market Title Senior Research Associate Link to USC Market Title Business Title (Internal Title) Senior Research Associate Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division College of Social Work Department COSW Institute for Families in Society Advertised Salary Range Commensurate with qualifications Location of Vacancy Columbia, SC Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:30am until 5:00pm.

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP) Basis 12 months Job Search Category Other Professional

About USC

About University of South Carolina

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.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at . Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

South Carolina Retirement Yes State Insurance Programs Yes Annual Leave Yes Sick Leave Yes

Position Description

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.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a master's degree and five years of experience in an area of research specialty.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

N/A

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 Duties

Job Duty

Assist in developing and implementing plans and goals for the department
Work with the Executive Leadership to coordinate and supervise daily operations for the MCH Team and related staff
Ensure compliance with regulations and internal policies
Submit required grant reports, particularly MCH and health services grants/contracts

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty

Analyze and evaluate data from complex, large data sets (e.g., Medicaid claims and other health data, linked data from multiple sources)
Design, develop, and operationalize external reporting and necessary analyses
Translate literature and external reports for use by internal audiences as appropriate
Determine and implement reporting cycles, soliciting input from stakeholders as needed
Extract and/or transform information from multiple MCH and health-related systems
Ensure the validity, reliability, consistency, accuracy, and timeliness of all submissions
Analyze data and translate into policy recommendations.
Facilitate research staff in statistical and qualitative analysis for reporting across stakeholders from the community level to journal publications using high-level analytical and problem-solving skills and strategic-thinking capacity.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 40 Job Duty

Present research findings at professional conferences and contract/grant meetings as applicable
Serve on committees and workgroups as appropriate
Provide technical assistance and training to support MCH initiatives.
Initiate and/or lead collaborative efforts with national, state, and community-based organizations.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty

Supervise staff; assign and review projects, manage workload, provide training, and identify relevant professional development opportunities.
Conduct annual evaluations and goal setting

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20

Position Attributes

Hazardous weather category Non-Essential Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 06/01/2025 Position End Date 09/28/2028 Job Open Date 05/16/2025 Job Close Date 06/30/2025 Open Until Filled No 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 June 30, 2025.

Quicklink for Posting EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Supplemental Questions

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