The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is a specialized program within the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver which intentionally elevates the value of the living world and the interrelationship and health of people, other animals, and the environment. This is accomplished through social science-informed education, applied knowledge, research and advocacy, with an ethical regard for all species. Focusing on three core areas of Therapeutic Human-Animal Interventions, Animals in Communities and One Health, IHAC operationalizes its mission through innovation in education, research and advocacy.

Position Summary

The Animals and Communities Research Associate I will be an integral member of the IHAC Research program and is responsible for overseeing project management including data collection, managing internal project teams, helping supervise Research Fellow(s), overseeing research assistants, and may mentor graduate student interns. The Research Associate I is also responsible for giving input on grant proposals, contributing to study design, statistical analysis and interpretation, participating in qualitative analysis and interpretation, and helping to write manuscript and conference abstracts for research projects. This person may assist with designing a portfolio of studies that measures how incorporating justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations in in companion animal welfare programs can promote positive One Health outcomes.

This is a full-time position that is currently funded for three years (July 2021 through June 2024). This position includes travel, as needed, to implement research and disseminate findings. This position could be structured as a remote position, provided the Research Associate I is readily available for meetings by Zoom during regular business hours (Monday Friday, 9AM 5PM Mountain Time). Our remote team members may be asked to travel to be in-person for special events (e.g., conferences, trainings, annual meetings, public events).

Required Qualifications

• Graduate degree in the social or physical sciences (MA, MS, MSW, PhD) or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience in related fields (e.g. animal sheltering or animal control outreach services, community organizing, human service case management, public health administration, environmental health and safety).
• Three or more years of experience in research or evaluation of interventions including participating in the implementation of quantitative and/or qualitative research or evaluation studies and ability to lead components of these studies.
• One year of experience in project management, including supervising and/or coordinating the work of teams, providing strategy and support to leadership, and managing time effectively.
• Proficiency in one or more additional languages (beyond English), with particular interest in Spanish.
• Strong understanding of inferential statistics and/ or qualitative analysis techniques.
• Intermediate to advanced user of Excel, SPSS, and Dedoose or comparable software.
• Demonstrated skills and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the ability to approach work with diverse communities with respect and humility, as a listener and learner. This might include lived experience, volunteer, education, or work experience with historically excluded populations (e.g., low-income families, people of color, individuals with disabilities, ageing adults).
• Experience translating research findings into practice with multiple audiences using a variety of techniques. This could include facilitation of training, public-facing reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, or public speaking.

Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by April 30, 2021.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted. For more information about this position, including an opportunity to speak with current IHAC Research Staff, please direct inquiries to Research Associate Professor Kevin Morris at

Salary Grade Number
The salary grade for the position is 8.

Salary Range
The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $55,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidates sex or any other protected status.

Benefits
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.