Research Associate II - FPR IL (Hourly

Research Associate II - FPR IL (Hourly)

Hiring Department
:
Health Policy and Administration

Location
:
Chicago, IL USA

Requisition : 1042324

Posting Close Date
: 8/10/2026

Salary
:
The wage for this position is $31.65/hour.

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.

This position is not eligible for benefits.

The Food Policy Research (FPR) Program team housed in the UIC School of Public Health Division of Health Policy and Administration is seeking up to two highly organized, motivated, and detail-oriented candidates to support data collection efforts in retail food stores across multiple cities across the United States to include:
Chicago, IL, Indianapolis, IN, Houston, TX, and Orlando, FL. Specifically, the team is conducting two studies to examine retailer responses to recent changes in SNAP programming requirements via retail food store audits. Candidates should be local to the Chicago area and must be willing to travel (including overnight), have access to a personal smartphone, a valid driver's license, and a personal vehicle (when traveling locally).

Mileage and toll costs accrued in‑state (IL) and out‑of‑state travel expenses (i.e., flights, hotels, car rentals, gasoline, and including per diem) accrued during the course of data collection will be reimbursed.

• Complete mandatory data collection training.
• Conduct field audits at stores in Chicago, IL, Indianapolis, IN, Houston, TX, and Orlando, FL. Data will be collected via smartphone through an offline mobile app.
• Document, maintain, and upload data and collect and maintain photographic evidence.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in social science or related field required.
• A minimum of one year related research experience.
• Knowledge of research concepts, practices and procedures.

• Master's degree preferred;
• Ability to follow directions and complete tasks with minimal oversight;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; and,
• Software literacy in programs such as Word and Excel, and Internet applications.
• Previous experience conducting in-store audits is preferred but not required. Training will be provided prior to the start of data collection.

Aug - Nov, possible extension into Dec

Study #1:

Training (8/24 or 8/31 start date) - 2 consecutive weeks at 10-20 hours/week

Data collection (9/15-10/15) - 4 consecutive weeks at 30-40 hours/week.

Study #2:

Training (10/15-10/31) - 2 consecutive weeks at 10-20 hours/week

Data collection (11/01-11/25) - 3.5 consecutive weeks in Nov at 30-40 hours/week, break Thanksgiving week, possible extension into Dec for 2 additional weeks at 30-40 hours/week, dependent on available work

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.