MCH Lead Applied Researcher

The MCH Lead Evaluator and Applied Researcher will be a key player at IHPR, leading and supporting innovative healthcare and policy research initiatives. This position advances the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and children by coordinating evidence-informed health services and policy research to improve outcomes for medically underserved and at-risk populations.

By leveraging data-driven insights, this position will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of MCH services and policies, ensuring that every family receives the care and support they need to thrive. The importance of this role in shaping the future of MCH cannot be overstated, as it helps potential candidates feel valued and an integral member of the organization. A key component of this role is overseeing the design, development, and provision of technical assistance and evaluation for external and internal reporting required of existing and future MCH-related grants and contracts. Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience, Job Duty Provide leadership and coordination for maternal and child health research and evaluation activities. Collaborate with executive leadership and project stakeholders to establish priorities, monitor deliverables, ensure compliance with grant and contract requirements, and support achievement of program goals. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty Lead the analysis and evaluation of large, complex datasets, including Medicaid claims, birth certificate data, hospital records, and other health-related data sources. Design and implement evaluation plans, reporting frameworks, and performance measures. Ensure validity, reliability, accuracy, and timeliness of analyses and deliverables. Translate findings into programmatic and policy recommendations and support dissemination through reports, presentations, and publications. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 35 Job Duty Provide technical assistance, training, and consultation to funders, community partners, healthcare organizations, and governmental agencies. Serve on and facilitate committees and workgroups. Present research findings at meetings, conferences, and professional forums. Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships that support maternal and child health initiatives and research objectives. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty Supervise research and evaluation staff, assign and review work, manage project timelines and workloads, support training and professional development, and conduct performance evaluations. Ensure project activities are completed in accordance with established goals, timelines, and quality standards. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty Identify potential funding opportunities and contribute to the development of grant applications, contract proposals, scopes of work, and supporting documentation., Hazardous weather category Non-Essential Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No Posting Detail Information

• Requires a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in an area of research specialty and three or more years of job-related experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications

• Seven (7) or more years of experience conducting evaluation, applied research, or health services research.
• Experience in maternal and child health, public health, healthcare, or a related research environment.
• Three (3) or more years of experience working with Medicaid claims, birth certificate data, hospital records, or other large healthcare datasets.
• Experience designing and implementing program evaluations, performance measurement systems, and outcome assessments.
• Experience managing grants, contracts, research studies, or complex projects.
• History of leadership roles in health services research settings, preferably in maternal and child health.
• Supervisory or project leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success securing, supporting, or managing externally funded grants and contracts.
• Experience preparing technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, presentations, or other dissemination products.
• Experience collaborating with government agencies, healthcare organizations, academic institutions, funders, and community partners.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Understanding of maternal and child health issues, healthcare delivery systems, health policy, and population health trends affecting women, infants, children, and families.
• Knowledge of research design, program evaluation methodologies, quality improvement principles, and performance measurement frameworks.
• Extensive knowledge of healthcare and public health data systems, including Medicaid claims, birth certificates, hospital records, and population-based surveys
• Knowledge and experience with SAS.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, interpretation of complex datasets, translating research findings into actionable recommendations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Skilled in academic, technical, applied writing, presenting complex information and facilitating discussions with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with government agencies, healthcare organizations, funders, community organizations, supervise staff, coordinate project activities, provide technical leadership, manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to learn and apply new technologies, analytical methods, reporting requirements, maintain accuracy, attention to detail, and compliance with ethical and legal standards.

Pulled from the full job description Health insurance Life insurance, The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the “Working at USC” section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

About USC

About University of South Carolina From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond. Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below