Research Area Specialist-Senior

Job Description

Under limited supervision, responsible for the operation of a specialized educational/social science research area with one or more faculty members or managers within a recognized unit. Assists with research project tasks to include recruitment, data collection, and day‑to‑day operations of research projects. May act as liaison with other departments, divisions and organizations. Based on departmental need, flexible work hours may be required.

Shift hours can include 8 am – 5 pm and 10 am – 7 pm.

• Plans, organizes and conducts one or more large and complex research projects according to plan; reviews progress and evaluates results.
• Participates in ongoing decisions regarding study design, data collection, and methodology.
• Develops protocol and criteria; determines interview procedures and approves protocols; may also design intervention protocols.
• Formulates research methods and suggests options for improving quality, identifies potential problems, and recommends and implements solutions.
• Gathers data; supervises data collection and verification; and has oversight for literature reviews.
• Performs data analysis and interprets results.
• Co‑authors/authors publications; may co‑present with Principal Investigator at meetings and conferences; assists in acquiring research funding including writing grant proposals.
• May indirectly oversee the work of other employees.
• Monitors budget, researches, and recommends and purchases equipment.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate work within schedule constraints and handle emergent requirements in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor important and complex projects concurrently.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Lotus Notes/other email software.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, to include writing and preparing memorandums, letters, and other official correspondence.

• Ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish.
• Proficient with the Enterprise Research Management System (ERMS).
• Experience planning, organizing, and directing complex, large‑scale research projects from inception to completion.
• Expert‑level skills in gathering, verifying, and managing data, including proficiency with building/modifying REDCap projects and other analysis tools.
• Epic EMR system experience, clinical or research.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams, community partners, and stakeholders, often acting as a key liaison.
• Extensive knowledge in IRB and other regulatory compliance agencies.
• Experience conducting participant interviews, administering surveys, receipting and accounting for participant payments/incentives.
• Experience answering phone calls from research participants and tracking participation activities throughout the study.
• Ability to provide the resolution of technical and logistical problems that participants and stakeholders may have.
• Experience training and overseeing the work of lower‑level research staff and students.
• Experience with providing regular updates to leadership via report or presentation format.

• Bachelor's degree in an educational/social science or related field is required.

This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per Texas EO-GA-48.

• Four (4) years of related experience is required.