Research Scientist

Texas A&M University System • Dallas, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Scientist at Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Dallas will lead the conceptualization, development, implementation, and evaluation of research projects and studies, including oversight of operational procedures and project logistics. The role leads preparation of analysis reports, manuscript results, and dissemination products, and contributes to grant and funding proposal development and pre- and post-award management. It also involves participant recruitment, community outreach, communication, and support for research operations.

The position provides leadership in research methods and project operations, statistical and data management, grant development, reporting and dissemination, and community engagement. Responsibilities include managing research procedures and logistics, guiding staff, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, preparing proposals and publications, and developing chronic disease prevention and health promotion materials. Limited travel may be required, along with flexible scheduling that can include evening and weekend hours.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a related field, such as nutrition, public health, or epidemiology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six years of related experience, especially conducting human subjects research and working on research grants.
• Proficiency in statistical programming languages such as R, SPSS, STATA, or SAS; data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI; and database applications.
• Demonstrated experience leading preparation of research manuscripts and securing grant funding.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with faculty and staff.
• Detail orientation and ability to organize tasks and prioritize work with minimal supervision.
• May require limited travel within Texas or to other research sites for study meetings, trainings, or participant visits.
• May require flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend hours, to accommodate participant availability or project deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or doctorate in Nursing (MSN, DNP, or equivalent), current Texas APRN licensure, and Nurse Practitioner certification.
• Advanced clinical assessment skills, including patient evaluation, management, and documentation in a research setting.
• Expertise in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), IRB regulatory requirements, and ethical standards for human subjects research.
• Strong bilingual English/Spanish verbal and written proficiency.
• Knowledge of advanced statistical analysis, interactive data visualization, programming or similar software applications, and data mining.
• Experience working with and accessing national datasets, such as NHANES, WHI, or the Framingham Heart Study.
• Experience developing valid, reliable composite scoring and screening instruments, such as Life’s Simple 7 or dietary screeners.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or managing research staff and providing technical guidance and support with data management, analysis, and project execution.
• Knowledge and understanding of the mission and role of the Land Grant University System, including community-campus partnerships and the Extension system.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, development, implementation, and evaluation of ongoing and new research projects and ancillary studies.
• Design and manage research operational procedures, including IRB protocols, project logistics, and field work.
• Coordinate pre- and post-award management with internal and external investigators; manage grants and draft progress reports.
• Oversee appropriate research methods, techniques, and tools, and guide and train staff.
• Support advanced statistical research and modeling, including regression and predictive modeling.
• Analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative data using statistical methods, data mining, data visualization, and data science management.
• Document statistical methods, analysis algorithms, and operational procedures; manage public datasets and online project tools such as Qualtrics and REDCap.
• Assist with data cleaning, documentation, acquisition, merging, and security.
• Contribute to grant proposals and funding applications, including statistical plans, budgets, and sample size calculations.
• Prepare and present reports, manuscripts, scientific presentations, manuals, and other dissemination products; communicate findings through text, tables, and graphics.
• Develop and refine curricula and program materials for chronic disease prevention and health promotion.
• Lead participant recruitment, data collection, and field work.
• Conduct literature reviews to inform study design, community-engaged interventions, and scientific publications.
• Evaluate and summarize study and program impacts and results.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support leadership and research operations.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• 12–15 annual paid holidays.
• Up to 8 hours per month of sick leave.
• At least 8 hours per month of vacation.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Employee Wellness Initiative.
• Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree