(Hybrid) Research Specialist Senior - WVU Cancer Institute/Cancer Prevention and Control

The WVU Cancer Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Research Specialist Senior position with Cancer Prevention and Control

About the Opportunity

The WVU Cancer Institute is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Research Specialist Senior to support advanced research and evaluation activities within the Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, with a specific focus on rural Appalachian populations. This position requires expertise in evaluation and implementation science, including the effective dissemination of findings to diverse audiences. The Research Specialist Senior will collaborate closely with academic partners and strategic stakeholders including community members, public health programs, clinical practices, and other institutions to advance research and improve health outcomes. This position will contribute to data collection and analysis and assist with grant proposals to secure funding for research and evaluation initiatives.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Independently conducts research and evaluation activities, using both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess effectiveness, impact, and outcomes, applying appropriate scientific techniques to meet research and grant deliverables.
• Facilitates the planning, direction, and execution of specific components of research and evaluation projects.
• Collaborates with principal investigators and research teams to identify and pursue grant proposals and contribute to progress reports and contract documentation.
• Provides mentoring, training, and support to entry level Research Specialists and Program Coordinators.
• Designs, implements, and maintains data collection tools and summarizes data collection processes, procedures, and activities.
• Conducts literature reviews to support research projects and evaluation activities.
• Serves as a technical resource for other research personnel.
• Supports existing funded programs within Cancer Prevention and Control by providing expertise in evaluation, data interpretation, grant writing assistance, and dissemination.
• Develops and maintains strong collaborative relationships with state and local partners, including healthcare organizations, public health agencies, educational institutions, and community advisory boards.
• Organizes and facilitates assessments of organizational- and community-level needs to identify key priorities, gaps, and opportunities for intervention.
• Disseminates research and evaluation findings nationally, regionally, and locally through published manuscripts, presentations, research briefs, and other reports.
• Assists with the creation and maintenance of Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols to ensure data protection and research activities follow best practice, are conducted ethically, and are compliant with university-level, as well as national and state level policies for the responsible conduct of research.
• Conducts or directs special projects as assigned by supervisor or Director of Cancer Prevention and Control.
• Serves as a collaborative team member within Cancer Prevention and Control and provides support for related program activities as requested by Senior Staff members.

This Is a hybrid position, requiring at least two days per week or more on campus. An on-campus office is provided.

• Master's degree in health-related field such as public health, community health, health/education, implementation science, behavioral science, evaluation science, or another relevant field.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in the following:
  
  
  
  • Health-related research or evaluation and working collaboratively with internal and external partners.
  
  
  
  
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in health-related research and evaluation methodologies
• Ability to apply strategic thinking to research and program development
• Strong scientific writing and editing skills for academic and professional output
• Skill in communicating complex ideas clearly and concisely through written reports and oral presentations
• Skill in tailoring communication to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary research teams
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with individuals.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of institutional, federal, and state statutes and regulations relevant to research and evaluation
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing complex or multi-step tasks
• Ability to maintain professional conduct, punctuality, and reliability in team and independent work
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with departments, organizational units, related programs, and external agencies
• Ability to interpret and apply human resources policies and institutional procedures
• Proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite, database management software, internet search engines, REDCap, Qualtrics, and biostatistical software (SPSS, SAS, Atlas Ti, NVivo, etc.)

• CITI Certification

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.