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

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

About the Opportunity

The WVU Cancer Institute is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Research Specialist Senior to support health communication research within the Department of Cancer Prevention and Control. This position is responsible for conducting highly technical and complex research and evaluation activities in the field of cancer prevention and control with a specific emphasis on the rural Appalachian population. The Research Specialist Senior will play a key role in advancing research goals by contributing to study design, data management, statistical analysis, and the preparation of scientific outputs. The role involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams and external partners, including academic institutions, public health agencies, and clinical stakeholders. This position also supports grant proposal development and the dissemination of findings to a variety of audiences. The position will gain practical experience in health communication research, community-engaged research, evaluation, and dissemination of results to multiple audiences.

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

• Conducts research and evaluation activities using independent judgement in applying or adapting scientific techniques to accomplish research and grant deliverables.
• Facilitates the planning, direction, and execution of specific segments of a research project.
• Investigates and recommends alternative approaches to improve quality of results.
• 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.
• Seeks grant funding to further research opportunities and assists with grant applications.
• Provides scientific expertise and support for existing funded programs within Cancer Prevention and Control, including 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.
• 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.
• Functions as a team member of Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC). Assists with other CPC program activities as requested by Senior Staff members.

• Master's degree in health-related field such as public health, community health, health/education, implementation science, behavioral science, or related 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.
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates ability and experience in health-related research and evaluation techniques
• Conducts strategic planning for research program development
• Develops action plans and systems to facilitate and track research/implementation activities
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing people
• Prepares manuscripts and abstracts for publication and conference presentation
• Participates fully in research and administrative meetings
• Responds to inquiries and requests in a timely manner
• Collaborates effectively with multi-disciplinary teams and other researchers/practitioners
• Interacts well with individuals of all levels and backgrounds and/or Ability to collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary research teams
• Writes and edits clearly and informatively, varies style to meet needs, and presents/interprets data for technical and non-technical audiences
• Prepares reports and present ideas clearly and concisely
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Works independently, exercising judgement
• Demonstrates and understanding of institutional, federal, and state statutes and regulations impacting relevant to research and evaluation
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing complex or multi-step tasks
• Maintains proper attendance and punctuality standards or Ability to maintain professional conduct, punctuality, and reliability in team and independent work
• Establishes and maintains effective relationship and deals tactfully with departments, organizational units, related programs, and external agencies
• Ability to interpret and apply human resources and institutional policies
• Demonstrates proficiency with general 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 preferred

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.