Research Scientist 3

Project ECHO has an amazing opportunity for a Research Scientist 3 to join our REDI Team! Our REDI (Research, Evaluation, and Data Insights) Team supports learning and growth for Project ECHO initiatives. The team supports continuous improvement of ECHO initiatives by providing multiple types of data, evaluation, and research services. 

The Research Scientist 3 will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and reporting results from ECHO program evaluations in New Mexico and beyond. This position will work closely with other members of the REDI Team focused on evaluation and data, as well as collaborate closely with ECHO program teams and other divisions of ECHO Institute including National and NM Programs Teams and Grants, IT, and Joint Accreditation departments. This position will also support development and management of IRB protocols for evaluations.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing, implementing, and reporting results from evaluations of ECHO program(s) in accordance with grant requirements/deliverables, standard human subjects research principles and practices, and Project ECHO standard operating procedures.
• Adapting evaluation designs to meet specific needs arising from shifting business needs, grant/funder requirements, or in accordance with best practices in research design.
• Drafting evaluation/research plans and protocols, and documenting implementation progress.
• Managing evaluations and research studies to meet business needs and grant requirements, working collaboratively with ECHO program and REDI teams.
• Developing and implementing surveys, focus groups and interviews, and other data collection tools, including the use of secondary data, as needed to meet evaluative objectives.
• Conducting evaluation and research activities in accordance with ethical and legal requirements for the conduct of human subject’s research; preparing human subject research protocols and managing modifications as needed.
• Thoroughly documenting analytic procedures for reproducibility.
• Analyzing quantitative and qualitative data using statistical software/programming languages (e.g., R, Python), qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo), or other tools as needed for reporting purposes.
  In collaboration with Data Team and Program Teams, implementing and effectively interpreting dashboards utilizing evaluation data.
• Accurately summarizing and reporting on findings in a variety of venues including formal/informal presentations, grant reports, and manuscripts for publication.
• Training ECHO program and other staff on evaluation practices and standard procedures as needed to ensure effective implementation of evaluation/research plans and to meet human subjects protection and grant requirements.
• Leading training on evaluation frameworks and methods for ECHO partners on an as needed basis.
• Researching and studying new or existing techniques, tools or software that are relevant to evaluation and data management projects and goals. Engages in professional development opportunities when relevant.

Project ECHO is unique and innovative center based within a vibrant academic community at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. Our mission is to democratize implementation of best practices with a goal of helping 1 billion people lead better lives by 2025.  We are looking for mission-driven high performers who share similar values to join our team and help us achieve this goal.

Project ECHO is committed to democratizing implementation of best practices in healthcare, education and other areas where first mile professionals need support.  We do this by training universities, nonprofits, and dedicated individuals on facilitation skills and how to set up robust virtual communities of practice to be able to scale their own expertise and missions to the benefit of their local communities.  Over the past 20 years, Project ECHO and our partners have trained more than 1,000 partners who make up our global network of Universities, ministries of health, and NGOs around the world. Examples of programs we and others run include infectious disease control (Hepatitis C, HIV), mental health and addiction treatment, literacy, math, climate mitigation and many more.  

Project ECHO is funded in part by philanthropic grants and gifts from organizations such as the GE Foundation, the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, the Merck Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the US Government.  Additionally, for programming benefitting New Mexico we receive support from the NM Legislature, the New Mexico Human Services Department and the New Mexico Department of Health.

Project ECHO prides itself on being a values-based organization and inclusive place to work.  Our seven values include: Service to the Underserved, Democratization of Knowledge, Mutual Trust and Respect, Teamwork, Excellence and Accountability, Innovation and Learning and Joy of Work.  We strive to find individuals who can embrace and exemplify these values.  In addition, Project ECHO was named one of Albuquerque’s Top Three Best Places to Work in 2023. This award recognizes organizations of all sizes with exceptional climates, team atmospheres, benefits, and employee engagement. For more information and a brief overview of benefits available please visit Project ECHO Newsroom .

We work with partners all over the world and work hours outside of normal business hours may be required. We are fortunate to have access to advanced technology, which will require some teleworking.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.

Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

·         Strong, demonstrated experience working on complex evaluation or research projects that require data analysis and organization. Research experience related to public health or community engaged research is a plus.

·        Demonstrated ability to build relationships, gain credibility, influence, and partner with business leaders, and peers

·        Outstanding communication and leadership skills; ability to effectively communicate, collaborate and develop positive outcomes with a wide range of individuals and constituents

·        Strong quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis skills

·        Excellent flexibility and prioritization skills: ability to thrive in a fast-paced working environment with competing deadlines

·        Experience using R or Python preferred

·        Strong project management skills

·        Experience writing and managing research grants

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html . Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.