Research Associate - Project Evaluator - Psychiatry - UI ARC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Research Associate - Project Evaluator

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Research Operations / Program Evaluation

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on supporting funded research projects within the UI Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (UI ARC) by developing and implementing comprehensive program evaluation plans.

• Key responsibilities include managing project operations, ensuring alignment with grant goals, and conducting detailed data analysis using quantitative and qualitative methods.

• The position requires proficiency in data collection, data management, and reporting, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive research data.

• Collaboration within an interdisciplinary team is crucial, involving effective communication and coordination with faculty, staff, and project stakeholders to achieve research and service objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a research-intensive academic environment, specifically focusing on addiction and recovery research. The "Project Evaluator" title and emphasis on grant-funded projects indicate a strong need for operations professionals skilled in research administration, data integrity, and program effectiveness measurement within a clinical or public health context. The "Research Associate" title suggests a level of autonomy and responsibility for managing specific project components.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive program evaluation plans for grant-funded substance use and addiction research projects.

• Collect, synthesize, and organize evaluation data from various sources, ensuring accuracy and completeness for analysis.

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analyses, including statistical support and interpretation of findings, to assess program outcomes and impact.

• Generate queries, reports, and data exports as needed from systems like REDCap, and format data for inclusion in weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.

• Manage project activities to ensure program operations, activities, and services align with research and service grant goals and objectives.

• Assist in the preparation of materials for reporting to funding sources and ensure timely and accurate submission of reports for existing grant-funded projects.

• Maintain strict adherence to data protection protocols, including the privacy of health care information and other confidential research data.

• Prioritize and manage multiple projects and tasks to meet deadlines, establishing target dates for information gathering, writing, review, and approval processes.

• Foster effective working relationships and collaborate through clear, concise communication with faculty, staff, learners, project stakeholders, and team members, providing regular updates.

• Understand the programmatic context to inform planning, implementation, outcomes, and evaluation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of research support and project management, with a strong emphasis on data integrity and reporting for grant compliance. The mention of "program management activities" and "ensuring program operations... align with... grant goals" suggests that candidates with a background in research administration or operations within academia or healthcare will be well-suited.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of one year of experience in data collection, data management, database utilization, data analyses (e.g., frequency tables, correlations, group comparisons), and report writing.

• Demonstrated experience working with a broad range of stakeholders to encourage meaningful participation in a team setting.

• Experience with project development and project management, including the creation and execution of evaluation plans or designs.

• Evidence of ability to function with a high degree of independence while actively collaborating in a team environment.

• Proven ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and thrive in deadline-driven environments.

Required Skills:

• Data Collection and Management: Proficient in gathering, organizing, and maintaining research data from various sources.

• Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis: Ability to perform statistical analyses, interpret findings, and synthesize qualitative information.

• Project Management: Skills in planning, executing, and monitoring project activities to meet grant objectives.

• Report Writing: Experience in preparing clear, concise, and accurate reports for diverse audiences, including funding agencies.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication for effective stakeholder engagement and team collaboration.

• Database Proficiency: Experience with data management systems, particularly REDCap.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in social science, data science, public health, or a related field.

• Five or more years of work experience with research techniques and data collection.

• Two or more years of experience conducting data analyses using appropriate analytic tools.

• Familiarity with behavioral health systems, infectious disease, medical education, or healthcare systems.

• Experience with the implementation and evaluation of funded projects related to substance use disorders, infectious disease, or behavioral health.

• Knowledge of and experience with designing, building, and implementing REDCap projects and Qualtrics surveys.

• Experience with human subjects' research protocols and compliance.

• Familiarity with grant reporting platforms (e.g., SPARS, Iowagrants).

📝 Enhancement Note: The required qualifications emphasize a foundational understanding of research data operations and project coordination. The desirable qualifications point towards candidates who can bring more advanced analytical skills, broader domain knowledge (behavioral health, grant reporting platforms), and specific technical tool experience (Qualtrics, REDCap implementation). This suggests a tiered approach to candidate evaluation, with a strong preference for those who can hit the ground running with advanced technical and domain expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of data analysis methodologies applied to research or program evaluation projects.

• Examples of comprehensive evaluation plans developed for specific projects.

• Case studies showcasing successful data management and reporting processes, highlighting accuracy and timeliness.

• Documentation illustrating project management skills in research settings, such as workflow design or progress tracking.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization for data collection, entry, and validation processes.

• Implementation and documentation of data security and confidentiality protocols.

• Development of standardized reporting templates and procedures for grant compliance.

• Process mapping for data analysis and interpretation to ensure reproducibility and clarity.

• Procedures for managing stakeholder feedback and incorporating it into evaluation processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the nature of the role and the emphasis on data analysis, reporting, and project management strongly imply the need for candidates to present tangible evidence of their capabilities. A portfolio showcasing past projects, evaluation frameworks, data analysis reports, and project management artifacts would be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The University of Iowa typically offers competitive salaries for Research Associate positions based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. For a Research Associate with 2-5 years of experience in Iowa City, Iowa, a typical salary range would be $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate is based on regional salary data for similar roles in academic research institutions, considering the cost of living in Iowa City and the specific requirements of the position.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., IPERS or TIAA) with employer contributions

• Tuition Assistance Programs for employees and dependents

• Professional Development Opportunities, including training and workshops

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek is approximately 40 hours.

• The specific schedule may be flexible, coordinated with project leadership and team needs, but requires on-site presence in Iowa City.

• Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or reporting cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a state university, the University of Iowa offers a robust benefits package and a structured salary scale. The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar positions in academic research settings in the Midwest. The "Specified Term" nature of the position (12 months with possibility of extension) should be noted by applicants, which may influence long-term benefit eligibility or contract renewal expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare & Higher Education (Academic Research)

Company Size: The University of Iowa is a large public research university with tens of thousands of employees, indicating a complex organizational structure with extensive resources and diverse departments. The UI Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (UI ARC) is a specialized team within the Department of Psychiatry, likely comprising a focused group of researchers, evaluators, and support staff.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, signifying a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and research.

Team Structure:

• The Research Associate will be part of the UI Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (UI ARC) team, working within the Department of Psychiatry.

• Supervision will be received from UI ARC's Program Directors and project leadership, suggesting a matrixed reporting structure common in research environments.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and rigorous scientific methodology are central to research operations.

• Emphasis on quantitative and qualitative analysis to support evidence-based practices and program effectiveness.

• Structured approaches to project management and evaluation plan development are critical for grant compliance and research integrity.

• Confidentiality and ethical research conduct are paramount, especially concerning sensitive health data.

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=26001268&lang=en (Job Posting)

https://uiarc.uiowa.edu/ (UI Addiction and Recovery Collaborative)

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a large university means navigating a structured environment with established protocols and a strong emphasis on academic research standards. The UI ARC team likely fosters a collaborative, research-focused culture where data integrity and scientific rigor are highly valued. Candidates should be prepared for an environment that prioritizes evidence-based practices and detailed reporting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Research Associate - Project Evaluator," typically falling into an intermediate-level position within research operations or program evaluation. It requires a foundational understanding of research methodologies, data analysis, and project coordination, with a degree of independent work.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to UI ARC's Program Directors and project leadership. This indicates a clear line of supervision for project-specific tasks and overall role performance, within a broader departmental structure.

Operations Impact: The Research Associate's work directly impacts the success of grant-funded projects by ensuring rigorous evaluation, demonstrating program effectiveness, and providing data-driven insights. This contributes to the UI ARC's mission of advancing addiction and recovery research and informing public health initiatives. Accurate project evaluation and reporting are critical for securing future funding and demonstrating the impact of research.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas of addiction research evaluation, data analysis techniques, or grant reporting platforms.

• Advanced Training: Access to professional development opportunities within the University of Iowa to enhance skills in data science, research methods, or project management.

• Project Leadership: With demonstrated success and experience, opportunities may arise to take on more complex projects or lead evaluation components.

• Further Education: The "Desirable Qualifications" mention a Master's degree, suggesting that pursuing further academic credentials could open up more advanced research or leadership roles within the university or related institutions.

• Networking: Building relationships with faculty and researchers within the Department of Psychiatry and UI ARC can lead to future collaborations and career advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Specified Term" nature of the position implies that growth is tied to project continuation and performance. However, the university environment often provides pathways for stable employment or internal mobility for high-performing individuals. The emphasis on specific tools like REDCap and Qualtrics also suggests opportunities for specialized skill development that are highly transferable.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position within the University of Iowa Health Care system, likely involving work within research facilities, offices, or clinical settings associated with the Department of Psychiatry and UI ARC.

Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa, United States. The University of Iowa is a large campus, and specific work locations will be within its facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires working closely with an interdisciplinary team, suggesting opportunities for frequent interaction, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.

• Research Tools & Technology: Access to relevant software and databases is expected, including REDCap, Qualtrics, and potentially statistical software packages.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with colleagues, supervisors, and potentially researchers or clinicians involved in the projects.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week.

• While on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily hours, subject to project needs and supervisor approval.

• The role is described as "Regular," implying a stable, ongoing position within the university's employment framework, though the specific appointment is "Specified Term."

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for candidates who can be physically present and engage directly with colleagues and research infrastructure. The university setting typically offers a structured and resource-rich environment for research professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of submitted Cover Letter and Resume for required and desirable qualifications.

• Phone/Video Interview: Discussion with hiring manager or HR to assess general fit, availability, and initial understanding of the role.

• In-Person/Virtual Interview: Likely involves meeting with Program Directors, project leadership, and potentially other team members. This stage may include:

  • Behavioral Questions: Assessing past experiences related to collaboration, problem-solving, and handling challenges.
  • Technical Questions: Probing knowledge of data analysis, program evaluation methodologies, and specific tools like REDCap.
  • Scenario-Based Questions: Presenting hypothetical situations related to project management or data challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation (Potential): Candidates may be asked to present examples from their portfolio, showcasing their data analysis, reporting, or project management skills.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussion of terms, salary, and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Examples: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your skills in data analysis, evaluation plan development, and reporting relevant to behavioral health or grant-funded research.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methods used, and the quantifiable results or impact achieved (e.g., improved data accuracy by X%, contributed to Y grant submission).

• Showcase Process: Include examples of your process documentation, such as data collection protocols, analysis workflows, or reporting templates.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: If possible, showcase work involving REDCap, Qualtrics, or statistical software, explaining your contribution and the outcomes.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experiences that align with the UI ARC's focus on addiction and recovery, and the specific responsibilities of a Project Evaluator.

Challenge Preparation:

• Data Analysis Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach analyzing a hypothetical dataset or evaluating a specific program intervention.

• Project Management Challenges: Think about how you manage competing priorities, communicate with stakeholders, and ensure project milestones are met.

• Data Integrity/Confidentiality: Be ready to discuss your understanding of ethical data handling and privacy protocols in research settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement to upload a Cover Letter and Resume that "clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications" is a strong indicator that candidates should meticulously tailor their application materials. Highlighting specific examples and achievements will be key, especially if a portfolio presentation is part of the later stages.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture): Essential for data collection and management in research settings. Proficiency in building, implementing, and utilizing REDCap projects is highly desirable.

• Qualtrics: A robust survey platform that may be used for data collection, participant feedback, or other research-related surveys. Experience in designing and deploying surveys is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Software: While not explicitly named, experience with statistical packages like SPSS, R, SAS, or Stata is implied for quantitative data analysis.

• Data Visualization Tools: Potential use of tools like Tableau or Power BI, or native capabilities within statistical software, for creating graphical representations of data.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and analysis, Word for report writing, and PowerPoint for presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• Grant Reporting Platforms: Familiarity with platforms such as SPARS (Service, Prevention, and Recovery Support) or state-specific grant portals (e.g., Iowagrants) is desirable for reporting to funding sources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of REDCap and Qualtrics signifies that hands-on experience with these platforms is a significant advantage. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and specific use cases for these tools. The broader need for statistical analysis implies familiarity with common research data analysis software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data Integrity & Accuracy: A core value ensuring that all data collected and analyzed is reliable, precise, and ethically handled.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively within an interdisciplinary team, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve shared project goals.

• Rigorous Evaluation: Commitment to employing sound research methodologies and robust evaluation frameworks to accurately assess program effectiveness.

• Confidentiality & Ethical Conduct: Upholding the highest standards for protecting sensitive participant data and adhering to ethical research principles.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Valuing the ability to manage projects effectively, meet deadlines, and produce timely reports for funding agencies and internal stakeholders.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Integration: Working seamlessly with individuals from diverse professional backgrounds (e.g., clinicians, researchers, statisticians).

• Open Communication: Encouraging regular updates and clear communication to ensure alignment and proactive problem-solving within the team and with project leadership.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that values constructive feedback to improve processes, data quality, and project outcomes.

• Shared Responsibility: A collective approach to achieving project milestones and ensuring the overall success of the UI ARC's research initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a typical academic research environment where scientific rigor, ethical conduct, and collaborative effort are paramount. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these principles and how they translate into daily work practices within a research operations context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Data Sources: Integrating and analyzing data from multiple, potentially disparate, sources (e.g., clinical records, surveys, administrative data).

• Navigating Grant Requirements: Ensuring all evaluation activities and reporting strictly adhere to the specific, often complex, guidelines of various funding agencies.

• Balancing Independence and Collaboration: Effectively managing individual responsibilities while ensuring seamless coordination and communication within a multidisciplinary team.

• Adapting to Evolving Research Needs: Staying current with evolving research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and the specific scientific questions within addiction and recovery research.

• Maintaining Data Confidentiality: Consistently upholding strict privacy and security protocols for sensitive participant data in a research setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses focused on advanced statistical analysis, qualitative research methods, or specific software like REDCap and Qualtrics.

• Grant Writing & Reporting: Learning the nuances of grant proposal development and the reporting requirements for various funding bodies through hands-on experience.

• Project Management Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications (e.g., CAPM, PMP) to formalize project management skills.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Program Directors and project leaders within UI ARC, offering insights into research operations and career development.

• Conferences & Seminars: Attending relevant academic or professional conferences to stay abreast of advancements in addiction research, program evaluation, and data science.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to research operations roles, particularly those involving grant-funded projects and sensitive data. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for skill enhancement and career progression within the university's academic and research ecosystem.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex data analysis project you managed from inception to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How would you approach developing an evaluation plan for a new grant proposal focused on substance use treatment outcomes?" (Demonstrate understanding of evaluation frameworks, metrics, and data collection strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the University of Iowa's Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (UI ARC) and its mission?" (Research the UI ARC's current projects and research areas.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with individuals from different professional backgrounds (e.g., clinicians, statisticians, researchers)?" (Provide examples of successful interdisciplinary teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly outline the project's objective, your specific role and responsibilities, the methodologies/tools used (e.g., REDCap, statistical techniques), the challenges encountered, and the ultimate outcomes or impact.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., "Improved data entry accuracy by 15%," "Contributed to a successful grant renewal by providing timely impact reports").

• Highlight Process Excellence: Showcase your ability to design efficient workflows, implement robust data management systems, and produce clear, actionable reports.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, technical choices, and how you would apply your experience to new challenges within the UI ARC.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Demonstrating a clear understanding of research operations, data integrity, and collaborative work styles will be crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the University of Iowa's Taleo career portal.

• Tailor Your Cover Letter: Clearly articulate how your experience and skills directly align with the "Required Qualifications" and "Desirable Qualifications" listed, using specific examples.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight keywords and achievements related to data collection, data management, quantitative/qualitative analysis, project management, REDCap, program evaluation, and technical writing.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather relevant examples of your work that demonstrate your capabilities in data analysis, reporting, and project management. Be ready to discuss these in detail during an interview.

• Research UI ARC: Thoroughly investigate the UI Addiction and Recovery Collaborative's mission, current projects, and recent publications to understand their work and tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.