Senior Research Specialist – Cancer Prevention and Control

Role Overview

• Supports original cancer prevention and control research using established scientific methods.
• Serves as a technical resource for data management and statistical analysis.
• Supports and facilitates the planning and execution of a variety of research project types, including descriptive studies, inferential statistics, randomized control trials, case-control studies, clinical quality improvement studies, and others.
• Collaborates with principal investigators and research teams to identify grant opportunities, write research grant applications, and contribute to progress reports and contract documentation and deliverables.
• Designs, implements, and maintains data collection tools for research studies, and documents data collection processes and procedures in written methodology reports.
• Assists with the development and implementation of a strategic plan for tobacco control research at the WVUCI.
• Conducts literature reviews to support research projects and publications and utilizes citation management software to organize references.
• Creates and maintains Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols to ensure data protection and research activities follow best practices, are conducted ethically, and are compliant with all policies for the responsible conduct of research.
• Disseminates research findings nationally, regionally, and locally through published manuscripts, presentations, research briefs, and other reports.
• Develops and maintains strong collaborative relationships with state and local partners, including healthcare organizations, public health agencies, and community advisory boards.
• Functions as a team member of the Department of Cancer Prevention and Control.
• Conducts special projects as assigned by supervisor or Chair of Cancer Prevention and Control.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (MPH, MS, MA) in a health-related field such as public health, biostatistics, epidemiology, behavioral science, community health education, social psychology, clinical psychology, implementation science, or another related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in health-related research management or health-related project management.
• Knowledge of tobacco control research topics and the tobacco policy landscape.
• Knowledge of study designs to propose and test behavioral interventions for cancer risk reduction.
• Ability to create and manage research datasets and conduct statistical analyses using biostatistical software such as SAS, SPSS, STATA or R.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency with database management software such as REDCap, Qualtrics.
• Skill in secondary data analysis of public health and/or clinical datasets.
• Ability to assist with quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research to test hypotheses.
• Ability to prepare manuscripts and abstracts for peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Proficiency with citation management software such as EndNote.
• Ability to assist with strategic planning for research program development.
• Ability to participate fully in research and administrative meetings.
• Ability to respond to inquiries and requests in a timely manner.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams that include researchers, faculty members, and clinicians.
• Skill in writing and editing clearly, and in presenting and interpreting data for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of institutional, federal, and state statutes and regulations impacting cancer prevention and control.
• Ability to maintain proper attendance, punctuality, and reliability in team and independent work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with departments, organizational units, related programs, and external agencies.

Benefits

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
• 18 sick days per year
• 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.
• Wellness programs