Job Description

Research Specialist, Translational Research Workforce Development

Hiring Department Center for Clinical and Translational Science

Location Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID 1041702

Posting Close Date July 28, 2026

Salary: The previously determined salary range for this position was $50,000 to $75,000.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The Research Specialist, Translational Research Workforce Development, supports the design, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of innovative workforce development initiatives that strengthen the clinical and translational research workforce pipeline. This role contributes to the development of and manages programs that support students, trainees, early-career investigators, research professionals, and faculty through education, mentorship, career development, experiential learning, and workforce readiness activities. Working collaboratively with principal investigators (PIs), program leadership, and internal and external stakeholders, the Research Specialist advances workforce development priorities, expands research career pathways, and promotes broad participation and access across the clinical and translational research ecosystem. The Research Specialist contributes to the development, implementation, and evaluation of translational research, research education, and workforce development projects and proposals. The position supports CTSA-funded team science, clinical research professional development, and workforce development initiatives through program coordination, stakeholder engagement, outcomes assessment, and continuous quality improvement.
The Research Specialist develops and delivers workforce development programs and resources, including virtual training initiatives, online learning platforms, professional development offerings, and career advancement opportunities. The position manages and actively contributes to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive digital learning environment, while overseeing related activities and ensuring the delivery of accessible, engaging, and evidence-informed educational experiences that support institutional, CTSA, and workforce development goals.
The Research Specialist works across institutional, citywide, and national partnerships to advance initiatives that strengthen team science competencies, research workforce capacity, and career development opportunities. Through program evaluation, educational innovation, dissemination of best practices, and collaborative engagement with the CTSA consortium and other stakeholders, the position contributes to advancing clinical, translational, and public health research while building sustainable pathways for the next generation of research professionals and investigators.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Workforce Development Program Design and Implementation
• Collaborate with program leadership on the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of workforce development, professional development, and translational science training initiatives that support students, trainees, research professionals, staff, and faculty across the clinical and translational research continuum.
• Contribute to the development of innovative educational programs, career development opportunities, mentoring initiatives, and experiential learning activities that support workforce recruitment, retention, advancement, and leadership development.
• Coordinate and manage program operations, including participant recruitment, onboarding, engagement, scheduling, and program completion activities. Manage program timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation for assigned workforce development initiatives.
• Oversee implementation of CCTS workforce development, clinical research professional development, translational science, and team science initiatives, recommending and implementing program enhancements as needed.
• Ensure program activities align with institutional priorities, CTSA objectives, funding requirements, and workforce development best practices.
• Digital Learning and Educational Innovation
• Drive the development and management of virtual and hybrid learning programs, including webinars, workshops, self-paced co

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social science, life science, public health, higher education, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in research, specifically with supporting research workforce development, career development, or professional education programs in academic, healthcare, or research settings.

• Experience leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong program management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple content development initiatives.
• Experience in the development, implementation, and evaluation, of evidence-informed research training and workforce development initiatives, such as educational programming, mentoring activities, outcomes assessment, and continuous program improvement.
• Knowledge of research career pathways and workforce development frameworks.
• Proficiency with webinar, virtual meeting, and online collaboration platforms.
• Knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in clinical research, public health, social sciences, instructional design, education, educational technology, workforce development, public health, or a related field.
• Experience managing federally funded grants or workforce initiatives.
• Experience developing and managing virtual training programs, online courses, or workforce development curricula.
• Knowledge of clinical and translational research professional competencies, instructional design principles, and online research education best practices.
• Experience using learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard Learn, Moodle, or Cornerstone OnDemand).
• Experience developing digital learning materials and managing online content repositories.
• Certification in instructional design, e-learning development, or project management.
• Experience creating multimedia educational content using authoring tools.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.