Description

The Institute for Families in Society (IFS) at the University of South Carolina is seeking a Senior Research Associate/Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Lead Evaluator and Applied Researcher. This role is a crucial component of the IFS’s extensive MCH research portfolio and our State-University partnership. The ideal candidate should possess a strong understanding of the key drivers of maternal and infant health, including inequities and health outcomes, as well as knowledge and experience with national and state MCH data. The candidate should be passionate about making a meaningful impact and thrive in an environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. The IFS MCH portfolio plays a pivotal role in significant efforts to improve maternal and infant health in South Carolina. The state is renowned for its commitment to innovation and collaborative work with various stakeholders, including Medicaid, Public Health, hospitals, and health care delivery systems. Additionally, the IFS collaborates with community-based non-profits and digital health care innovators to address these critical issues. For more information about the IFS’s impact, please visit their websites at https://www.schealthviz.sc.edu/maternal-and-child-health and https://empower-palmetto.sc.edu/.

This position includes the following benefits: health, pharmacy, dental and vision insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance and paid annual and sick leave and 16 state holidays.

Salary is commensurate with skills and experience.

Find more information and the link to apply at: uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/209008 

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven (7) or more years of experience conducting evaluation, applied research, or health services research.
• Experience in maternal and child health, public health, healthcare, or a related research environment.
• Three (3) or more years of experience working with Medicaid claims, birth certificate data, hospital records, or other large healthcare datasets.
• Experience designing and implementing program evaluations, performance measurement systems, and outcome assessments.
• Experience managing grants, contracts, research studies, or complex projects.
• History of leadership roles in health services research settings, preferably in maternal and child health.
• Supervisory or project leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success securing, supporting, or managing externally funded grants and contracts.
• Experience preparing technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, presentations, or other dissemination products.
• Experience collaborating with government agencies, healthcare organizations, academic institutions, funders, and community partners.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Understanding of maternal and child health issues, healthcare delivery systems, health policy, and population health trends affecting women, infants, children, and families.
• Knowledge of research design, program evaluation methodologies, quality improvement principles, and performance measurement frameworks.
• Extensive knowledge of healthcare and public health data systems, including Medicaid claims, birth certificates, hospital records, and population-based surveys.
• Knowledge and experience with SAS.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, interpretation of complex datasets, translating research findings into actionable recommendations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Skilled in academic, technical, applied writing, presenting complex information and facilitating discussions with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with government agencies, healthcare organizations, funders, community organizations, supervise staff, coordinate project activities, provide technical leadership, manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to learn and apply new technologies, analytical methods, reporting requirements, maintain accuracy, attention to detail, and compliance with ethical and legal standards.