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Project Research Associate

Auburndale, Massachusetts

Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

With these values to guide us, our people are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we are honored to serve.

Project Research Associate

Requisition number: 2393238 Job category: Pharmaceutical Research Primary location: Auburndale, Massachusetts Date posted: 10/30/2026 Overtime status: Exempt Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

If you are located in the Auburndale, MA, area you will enjoy the flexibility of a Office-Based* role as you take on some tough challenges

The Project Research Associate has the primary responsibility for working as part of research teams to support operational aspects of commercially-funded Epidemiology studies and federally-funded projects.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Provide administrative and project specific operational support to Epidemiologists and Project Managers (schedule meetings, record meeting minutes, conduct literature searches, etc.) across multiple research studies
  • Format department documents and project deliverables including tables, figures, reports, manuscripts, presentations, abstracts/posters for scientific conferences, etc
  • Prepare and distribute documents for review and signature by department staff and project team members
  • Prepare materials for Institutional Review Board, National Death Index and internal health plan approval
  • Follow department standard operating procedures, contractual requirements, and applicable federal regulations
  • Assist fellow Research Associate team members as needed
  • Monitor the efforts and performance of third-party consultants and vendors to execute project activities according to project milestones 
  • Develop study specific third-party vendor training materials and facilitate trainings
  • Plan, organize and monitor data collection aspects of assigned medical record or survey research activities 
  • Maintain and communicate project timelines and status reports with internal project teams members, vendors, and external consultants
  • Organize, maintain, handle, and archive sensitive and protected information
  • Perform regular archiving of project emails and study documentation
  • Assist with internal and external audit preparation and support
  • Provide on-site administrative support to Epidemiology staff in the Auburndale, MA office 1-3 days per week* (book conference rooms, prepare for onsite meetings, visitor support, order supplies and equipment, distribute mail, record retention support)

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • 1+ years of work experience in an administrative, research/lab or project support role 
  • Ability to work in the Auburndale, MA office 1-3 days per week*
  • Intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio and Outlook

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 5+ years or more of work experience in an administrative, research/lab or project support role
  • Bachelor's degree in healthcare, public health, life sciences, chemistry, biology, or related science degree 
  • Experience formatting materials for reports, tables and presentations supporting projects and clients 
  • Experience with medical records, surveys, and/or health claims data
  • Interest in epidemiology, drug safety, public health, and/or pharmaceuticals

*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $49,700 to $88,800 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

#RPO #YELLOW

Benefits

Our mission of helping people live healthier lives extends to our team members. Learn more about our range of benefits designed to help you live well.

Life

Resources and support to focus on what matters most to you, in every facet of your life.

Emotional

Education, tools and resources to help you reduce and manage stress, build resilience and more.

Physical

Health plans and other coverage to support wellness for you and your loved ones.

Financial

Benefits for today and to help you plan for the future, including your retirement.

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