The Senior Research Associate leads innovative pilot studies exploring wellness technologies in senior living communities, including sleep, brain health, and posture/balance tools (e.g., Whoop wearable tracker). This full-time, salaried position requires flexibility to work on-site three days a week at Mather’s headquarters in Evanston, IL, and its luxury senior living communities in Wilmette, IL, & Evanston, IL. The role also includes monthly out-of-state travel (estimated three days per month) to collaborate with teams at Mather’s communities in Tucson, AZ, and Tysons Corner, VA.  This role involves delivering engaging presentations and interactive demonstrations on wellness technologies to non-academic audiences—translating complex research into accessible, actionable insights. Although the Senior Research Associate role offers hybrid flexibility, in-person collaboration is essential to drive innovation, foster teamwork, and bring research to life.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead Pilot Research Programs – Design and implement wellness tech pilot studies in senior living settings.
• Manage External Partnerships – Collaborate with research partners and vendors to meet project goals and timelines.
• Oversee Research Operations – Run day-to-day project logistics, including content development, scheduling, and evaluation.
• Support Research Administration – Contribute to study design, data collection, analysis, and human subjects protocols.
• Write & Share Insights – Author industry reports, “orange papers,” and present findings to internal and external audiences.
• Stay Ahead of Trends – Monitor aging and wellness tech trends to inform research and share insights with stakeholders.
• Champion Aging Well – Support Mather’s mission and initiatives that promote wellness and innovation in aging.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required:

• Doctoral degree in social psychology, kinesiology, exercise science, public health or other health-related
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, proficient in Microsoft Office programs, experience with SPSS, skilled in management of databases.
• Goal-driven and motivated to meet targets and deadlines, supports a teamwork environment, and is able to travel out-of-town.
• Outgoing and personable; Able to develop rapport and build relationships quickly with residents and colleagues.
• Ability to travel outside of Illinois

Preferred:

• 2+ years research/program evaluation
• Experience related to areas of older adult wellness
• Experience coordinating large scale research studies 
• Skilled in advanced statistical analysis techniques