Research Specialist, Translational Research Workforce Development

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 : $50,000 to $75,000 Position Summary 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. The role develops and delivers programs that support students, trainees, early-career investigators, research professionals, and faculty through education, mentorship, career development, experiential learning, and workforce readiness activities. 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 courses, and other digital learning materials. Manage and continuously improve a comprehensive digital learning environment, ensuring accessibility, engagement, and evidence-informed educational experiences that support institutional, CTSA, and workforce development goals. Work with institutional, citywide, and national partnerships to advance initiatives that strengthen team science competencies, research workforce capacity, and career development opportunities. 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. Benefits Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance. Retirement Plan. Paid Time Off. Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Illinois at Chicago