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Project Research Associate

Unitedhealth Group

Auburndale, MA · Posted October 30, 2026

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About the job

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.

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