Description

OPEN (Ohio Policy Evaluation Network) conducts rigorous, impactful, and forward-thinking social-science research on the reproductive health of Ohioans. Our program is comprised of multiple interdisciplinary research projects which assess reproductive health outcomes, access, cost, and autonomy in the context of federal and state laws and policies. The research team includes faculty, staff, and students from Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, Case Western Reserve University, and Mayo Clinic. OPEN seeks to hire a senior research associate based at the University of Cincinnati’s main campus in Cincinnati. This is a full-time, permanent position, subject to grant renewal. OPEN recognizes the strength that results from a team, and applicants are encouraged to articulate which identities, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences they will bring to the team and to the work. Each applicant will be evaluated on commitment to the University’s culture.

Job Overview
We seek an exceptional scholar with a strong background and interest in reproductive health research, including health policy, abortion, and contraception, for a senior research associate position at the University of Cincinnati. The research associate will work closely with Danielle Bessett (Sociology) on studies focused on abortion policies and their effects on abortion-seeking experiences and health system impacts in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The senior research associate will manage ongoing quantitative studies, including working with multiple clinic locations to collect data. Future work may include contribution to OPEN’s qualitative studies. The senior research associate will be involved in data collection, data management, analysis, and interpretation of findings. The candidate must have prior experience managing and analyzing quantitative survey data.

This position follows a hybrid work model for candidates residing in Ohio, Indiana, or Kentucky. Candidates must live within the Cincinnati Tri-State area and be able to commute to UC's Main Campus as needed. Remote work is governed by university policy and may be adjusted accordingly.

Requirements

Essential Functions

• Report to the UC-based OPEN principal investigator and research project leaders.
• Engage with researchers at the University of Cincinnati and the Ohio State University to manage data collection from patients, health care providers, and other groups as new projects arise.
• Contribute effectively to the collective team efforts, particularly around dissemination (e.g., data analysis and manuscripts, OPEN’s annual conference).
• Coordinate closely with clinic staff to resolve issues that arise during the data collection processes.
• Oversee compliance processes (e.g., institutional review board) and maintain study files and standards.
• Monitor and manage surveys on REDCap, including programming surveys.
• Manage and document survey updates.
• Download, merge, and clean survey data in STATA or another software to share with team members who may perform their own analyses or support team members with analyses.
• Perform analysis and interpretation of data, and assist in judging validity of data.
• Analyze and disseminate data with special attention and commitment to health equity.
• Create products and accomplish assigned tasks for OPEN studies or related projects.
• Travel for data collection in cities throughout Ohio and adjacent states (percent travel time estimated to be 5-10%; 90-95% based in the Cincinnati office with options for approved telework arrangements).
• May provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff or trainees (e.g., performance evaluations, etc.).
• Perform related duties based on OPEN’s needs. 

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant social science field or equivalent level of knowledge.

Required Experience

• 3-5 years relevant work experience in a related field, process or discipline.
• Experience with survey data collection, management, and analysis.
• Database management experience (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics) and expertise with quantitative software (e.g. SAS, STATA, R, SPSS).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Extremely strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Experience working successfully on a multi-disciplinary team in an academic setting.
• Self-directed with excellent decision-making qualities.
• Desire to advance public health knowledge in Ohio.
• Experience interacting with multiple sites or projects at once.
• Flexible, adaptable, and enthusiastic about growth through feedback and iteration.
• Basic knowledge of reproductive health landscape in Ohio or similar states.
• Willingness to take ownership of routinized administrative tasks that support OPEN research and researchers; OPEN has a small core staff and everyone contributes.
• Master’s degree or equivalent research experience is ideal.
• Occasional travel across the state of Ohio and neighboring states is anticipated for this position; expenses for work travel are covered in accordance with UC policies.
• Eligible applicants are US citizens or permanent residents.
• Physical Requirements/Work Environment
• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Application Process Information

• First, qualified and interested applicants must complete UC’s online application (Sr Research Associate, College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology, Hybrid)
• Second, applicants must provide several additional documents.
• Please note that providing these additional documents is required for consideration for the position:
  • In addition to the application, applicants must upload a current copy of their resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Applicants must also use the “additional documents” function in the online application to attach a cover letter expressing the following:
    • Their knowledge, experience, and interest in reproductive health research
    • Details about their training and work experience to date.
    • Applicants must also submit one writing sample using the “additional documents” function.
    • Applicants must send contact information for two references to Hillary Gyuras (@gyurashj@ucmail.uc.edu). 
       

Review of applications will begin in September 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. We anticipate a position start date in December 2026.

Application: Sr Research Associate, College of Arts and Sciences, Sociology, Hybrid

(https://jobs.uc.edu/job/Sr-Research-Associate%2C-College-of-Arts-and-Sciences%2C-Sociology%2C-Hybrid/104040-en_US)

Don't meet every single qualification? If you're excited about this role, but your past experience may not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate.
 

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status.

For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact UC HR at jobs@uc.edu.

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