JOB SUMMARY

The Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy (InCHIP) is seeking to hire an experienced research development professional (Academic Assistant 3 or 4). Reporting to the Director of InCHIP, this individual will have a background in social, behavioral, and/or health sciences fields; excellent scientific and technical writing skills; strong verbal communication skills; and collaborative, team-focused interpersonal skills.

The successful applicant will plan, develop, and evaluate InCHIP’s Research Development services with the primary goal being to expand UConn’s extramural funding portfolio in the health sciences. The salary and rank for this position will be dependent upon education, qualifications, and experience.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist researchers/principal investigators in identifying and interpreting grant solicitations, evaluating the appropriateness of projects for external funding opportunities, clarifying proposal components, and identifying career development opportunities that advance research.
2. Assist with or facilitate communication/collaboration among individuals engaged in team science, provide teams with document management support, and assist with updates throughout the grant development process as research aims evolve.
3. Assist with or lead InCHIP’s research development services, including workshops, resources, training programs, courses, and other health sciences research development offerings.
4. Assist with or manage data and reporting of InCHIP research development activities.
5. Maintain up-to-date understanding of funding trends and external funding opportunities for health-related research, and identify faculty to respond to federal, corporate, and foundation funding opportunities, with an emphasis on collaborative initiatives.
6. Develop and maintain active two-way communication with faculty and faculty research groups in health sciences and related disciplines to understand their current research, focus areas, and interests.
7. Coordinate with internal, university, and college-based research development and administration staff and with external organizations/universities to build and sustain two-way communication around funding and other resources relevant to UConn faculty.
8. Manage and evaluate InCHIP’s internal funding programs.
9. May supervise staff and student workers.
10. Serve as project coordinator or may lead large/complex grant proposal development efforts in health sciences:
    1. Collaborate with the PI/faculty team to determine proposal support needs and to develop proposal writing plans and timelines.
    2. Coordinate the work of the proposal development support team assigned to the project, including other writers/editors, project managers, graphic designers, and administrative staff.
    3. Ensure all proposal development tasks are completed in accordance with internal and external deadlines such that the final submitted proposal meets the highest standards.
11. May develop protocol/policies for research development program evaluation, data collection, and report writing. 
12. May evaluate program/service effectiveness and propose quality improvement solutions.
13. Performs other related duties as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• For appointment at the Academic Assistant 3 level, candidates must possess a Ph.D. in a relevant field and at least one year of post-degree experience writing and editing research proposals or scientific articles OR a Master’s degree in a relevant field with at least five years of post-degree experience writing and editing research proposals or scientific articles.
• For appointment at the Academic Assistant 4 level, candidates will possess a Ph.D. with at least three years of related post-degree experience.
• Experience in grant writing training, external research proposal development, or team collaborations with community, industry, or foundation partners.
• Experience with external funding with emphasis on NIH, other DHHS agencies, and health-focused foundations.
• Understanding of grant writing best practices and competitiveness strategies.
• Experience working with research teams.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. degree in a related field.
• Experience developing successful grant proposals for federal sponsors in an academic environment with emphasis on NIH, other DHHS agencies, and health-focused foundations.
• Demonstrated record of successfully managing/coordinating multiple complex programs or processes.
• Experience with time and deadline management, prioritizing responsibilities, attending to details, taking initiative, and working independently and with a team to carry out challenging assignments.
• Experience designing and delivering training, particularly on topics related to grant-seeking.
• Advanced expertise in proposal development best practices.
• Experience supervising research staff.
• Credentials in an area of special expertise (such as PMP certification, certification in training, etc.)
• Experience collaborating with faculty in research development efforts or related areas.
• Demonstrated success in preparing/shepherding large research grants (in excess of $1M per year) or center grants to award or lead complex/interdisciplinary strategic initiatives within health sciences-related fields.
• Experience providing project management support in a team context or successfully managing complex projects.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, end-date, annually renewable position with an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, as well as dependent tuition reimbursement at the University of Connecticut (outlined here:  https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-summaries/).

This position is subject to annual renewal, contingent on satisfactory performance and budget funding. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors UConn Chapter (AAUP).

Rank and salary are dependent upon education, qualifications, and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://jobs.hr.uconn.edu/en-us/listing/ Search # 498436 and submit the following application materials. Applications that do not include all materials will not be considered. 

• A cover letter (letter should address how the applicant’s professional experience and training prepares them for the position).
• Curriculum vitae/resume.
• Writing sample (e.g., published article, report demonstrating advanced scientific or technical writing skills).
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Inquiries may be addressed to Tricia Leahey, InCHIP Director, at tricia.leahey@uconn.edu

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 30, 2024.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.