Research associate

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to 53,235 students, nearly 12,000 faculty and staff and 350,000+ living alumni, UC combines a Top 35 public research university with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.”

With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, the oldest and one of the largest cooperative education programs, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 Conference, UC’s momentum has never been stronger. UC’s annual budget stands at $1.85 billion, and its endowment totals $2 billion.

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.

About The Department

The Impact Accelerator, facilitated by the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology (CECH), is a research development and grant supports office. The unit was created to support the creation of evidence-based, research-driven, real-world solutions that make a difference in the community. The Impact Accelerator is designed to support University faculty, staff, and students in seeking external funding. This infrastructure also assists in increasing collaborative funding opportunities with our campus and community partners.

Job Overview

The Impact Accelerator is searching for a Research Associate. The Research Associate will assist the Impact Accelerator team in supporting the University of Cincinnati (UC) to increase external funding. This position will assist with research and grant proposal development within CECH and the UC community. The selected candidate will work closely with the Impact Accelerator and University grant teams as well as other internal and external stakeholders to prepare proposals and provide training and technical assistance for faculty, staff, and students.

Selected candidates will report directly to the Research Director in the Impact Accelerator. Funding for this position is based upon the availability of external funds. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Essential Functions

• Assist University faculty, staff, and students in grant writing and preparing grant proposal materials.
• Assist University faculty, staff, and students in research development and planning.
• Participate/assist in writing a variety of professional documents (technical reports; grant proposals; meeting notes; annual reports).
• Connect researchers with internal and external partners to create long-lasting collaborations.
• Create and implement grant and research-related trainings and materials for faculty, staff and students.
• Prepare data summaries, reports, manuscripts, dissemination plans, and presentations of research results.
• This position may supervise student workers.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.
  
  

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree required in a related field.

Required Experience

• Two (2) years of experience in research and/or grant proposal development.
  
  

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, math, medicine (STEMM) or natural sciences-related discipline.
• Master’s degree in a social science-related discipline.
• Experience in developing grant proposals and obtaining funded projects in response to competitive requests for application/proposals for the National Institutes of Health or the Department of Energy.
• Strong written/oral communication skills: prior demonstrated research and report generation from which action, policy or system change was an outcome; comfortable with public speaking and meeting facilitation; and ability to write impeccably in a variety of styles.
• Excellent administrative and project management skills, particularly in an environment with competing demands and overlapping projects: ability to work independently, take initiative, establish and accomplish priorities when faced with multiple tasks, work with and without deadlines, pay close attention to details and logistics.
• Interpersonal skills: ability to work effectively with a wide array of constituencies and personalities, commitment and flexibility at all times.
  
  

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Sitting - Continuously
• Repetitive hand motion (such as typing) - Often
• Hearing, listening - Often
• Talking - Often
• Standing - Often
• Walking - Often
• Bending - Often
• Stooping - Often
• Kneeling, squatting - Seldom
• Lifting - up to 20 pounds - Often
• Noise: There is sufficient noise to cause you to shout in order to be heard above the noise level.
• Hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts of machinery or tools used to perform work, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
  
  

Compensation and Benefits

Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Eligibility varies by position and FTE. Highlights include:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include

• Competitive salary range of $65,000 - $75,000 based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities
  
  

For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

REQ: 99103