Description

The Translational Research Scientist leads and conducts innovative research in translational science, with a focus on bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world healthcare practice. This role is responsible for the design, execution, and implementation of research studies aimed at identifying, understanding, and reducing barriers to community engagement, research participation, and the adoption of evidence-based interventions.

The scientist collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, data scientists, public health professionals, and community partners to conduct high-quality, patient-centered research. The goal is to accelerate the integration of scientific discoveries into clinical and community settings, ultimately improving health outcomes and advancing health equity across diverse populations.

As a key member of the CESIS Program, the Translational Research Scientist supports multiple research and implementation initiatives within learning healthcare systems. This includes translating healthcare innovations into practice, advancing the field of implementation science, and contributing to healthcare improvement efforts at local, regional, and national levels.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of translational and implementation science research projects.
• Develop and apply innovative methodologies to study and improve community engagement and research translation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary stakeholders to ensure research is patient-centered, equitable, and impactful. Establish and maintain robust multi-directional partnerships for research and community engagement initiatives.
• Promote community engagement research and training opportunities to UIC CCTS leadership and engage translational researchers and physician scientists to conceptualize and develop responsive grant applications.
• Identify funding opportunities and lead the development of competitive grant proposals focused on community engagement, research translation, and healthcare delivery improvement.
• Oversee the execution and management of funded projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements.
• Translate research findings into actionable strategies, including dissemination and implementation initiatives that promote adoption in clinical and community settings.
• Contribute to the advancement of implementation science through scholarly publications, presentations, and thought leadership.
• Write, edit, and proofread community engagement and research proposals, including research strategy components and supporting documents (biosketches, letters of support, institutional documents).
• Work with cross-functional teams to conceptualize and develop new research and programmatic initiatives aligned with organizational priorities. Work directly with principal investigators, sponsor investigators, industry sponsors, clinical trial study teams, and research administration to develop protocols for research, community engagement, and dissemination initiatives.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and train research staff, fellows, and students to build capacity in translational and implementation science.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, MD, or equivalent) in public health, implementation science, health services research, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in translational research, implementation science, or community-engaged research.
  Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary and community-based settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including scientific writing and grant development.
   

The budgeted salary range for the position is $80,000 to $100,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.  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.  

 For fullest consideration, please submit CV with completed application to the UIC Job Board by July 7, 2026. The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 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.

 The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899