Research Associate, Research Scientist, Clinical Research

Employment Requirements

Employees must reside in the state of Utah but might have the opportunity to work a hybrid (in‑office and remote) work schedule. Possible consideration of a request for a fully remote work schedule, subject to approval and change.

The Division of Epidemiology within the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah seeks a highly motivated Research Associate to join its staff. This individual will work both independently and assist researchers in the fields of epidemiology, health systems research, and musculoskeletal health using, but not limited to epidemiologic and mixed‑method research, policy and program evaluation, and leadership. This position will work with the Trajectories of Resilience, Communities, and Health (TORCH) Lab, located on the University of Utah campus and at the Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs campus to understand the musculoskeletal sequelae after both military exposures and sport and recreation, including traumatic brain injuries, and evaluate musculoskeletal and orthopaedic‑based clinical programs.

• Participates in study design development, and other research as needed within the TORCH program or department.
• Manages data and writes procedures/code in applicable programs such as R, RStudio, Excel, etc.
• Construct methods and procedures for collecting data.
• Collects data using multiple methods, including primary sources such as interviews, focus groups, and surveys.
• Examines large‑scale secondary datasets (such as from survey collections, or other medical data), as relevant. In addition, may review patient charts, death certificates, other health information documents to obtain and verify data.
• Formats data for statistical analysis.
• Oversees and conducts qualitative & quantitative analyses.
• Employs methods to identify a priori and emergent themes in data, develops code books, conducts inter‑rater reliability and other qualitative methods as necessary.
• Employs methods of descriptive statistics, including sample comparisons, and analytic methods including regression analysis, survival analysis, mixed effects models, multivariable analysis, causal inference methodology (e.g., g‑methods), predictive modeling, and interprets results.
• Makes recommendations to the respective Principal Investigator (PI) as to preferable methods of analysis and research formats for proposed projects, may act as PI in some projects.
• Manages research projects from start to finish, including overseeing regulatory responsibilities such as IRBs.
• Writes project reports, research proposals, grants, and manuscripts.
• Directs preparation of manuscripts and presentation materials.
• Trains and mentors other staff in data collection and analytic methods.
• Travels to a variety of sites within and outside the University to coordinate research projects, and acts as a University representative for a specialty area when contacting other departments and outside organizations.

• Demonstrates excellent verbal communication skills and personal sensitivity, including the ability to talk with people from various backgrounds.
• Expertise in theory, and research related to educational leadership and/or policy.

• Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581‑7447 for information.
• This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
• Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106.

The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). Contact: (801) 595‑8888.