Research Specialist - Social Sciences

Research Specialist – Social Sciences

Hiring Department: Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine

Location: 1747 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL, 60608

Requisition ID: 1043171

Posting Close Date: 10/21/2026

Compensation: $50,000.00-$58,500.00; 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.

Job Summary:

The Research Specialist - Social Sciences will step beyond the basic data collection, interpretation and analysis and report findings and work with external entities to advance the research protocols. This position will advance research by recommending new innovations to the current approach that add efficiency or provide new avenues of research based on the project's needs. This Research Specialist is expected to complete special projects that contribute to the overall goals.

Job Responsibilities (Essential Duties): 

With guidance, training, and supervision from the Associate Director of Mental Health Policy, Behavioral Health, & Welfare Program and Psychiatric Research Nurses, the Research Specialist – Social Sciences will be expected to fulfill the following duties and 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.
• Acts as a guide advising newer researchers on various techniques, methods, and procedures.
• Identifies and alerts the research supervisor and/or the Principal Investigator about concerning trends.
• Recommends tests and modifies procedures that improve unit functioning and advance research goals in collaboration with the research supervisor and registered nurses.
• Uses independent judgment in order to gather complex information on each subject and work effectively with DCFS and other stakeholders regarding data gaps.
• Works independently on special research projects assigned by the research supervisor that contribute to the overall communication around the data and results.
• Models exceptional oral and written communication skills for newer researchers utilized in acquiring and reporting data.
• As new research findings become available, develops and implements procedures and policies to positively impact the future of clinical care.
• Contributes to research which helps to provide improved future clinical care, oversight, and influence policy.
• Help with training new research associates on the research protocols and mentor their development.
• 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’ experience in related research experience.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in psychopharmacology, with 2 of those years focusing on Clinical Services in Psychopharmacology database and case processing. 
• Possesses and applies advanced knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods. 

Benefits and Compensation: 

The previously determined salary range for this position is $50,000.00-$58,500.00.

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 1043171 and submit a CV, cover letter, and three names of references by 10/21/2026. 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

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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.