Research Specialist Intermediate

UVA Health•Charlottesville, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Public Health Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia is seeking a public health professional to support program evaluation and implementation science research. The position is affiliated with the Health Evaluation & Outcomes Science and Health Intervention & Implementation Science programs, which work with health systems, community organizations, and state and federal agencies to evaluate the real-world implementation and impact of health programs and policies. The Research Specialist will contribute to a developing portfolio of evaluation projects using quantitative and qualitative methods. Projects typically combine health data analysis with primary data collection through REDCap surveys and assessments, as well as qualitative data collection and analysis involving patients, clinicians, and community stakeholders. Current and anticipated projects evaluate community- and clinic-based interventions in areas such as nutrition, chronic disease management, and care coordination, often in partnership with rural and underserved communities across Virginia. The position is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, with occasional travel to partner sites across Virginia, which may include overnight stays. This is an exempt-level, benefited, restricted position dependent on funding availability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least 3 years of relevant experience; a master's degree may be considered in lieu of experience.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in public health, social science, health sciences, or a related field.
Knowledge of research methods, including qualitative and/or mixed-methods approaches.
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to follow instructions.
Strong communication skills, including communicating with diverse audiences for recruitment and participant management.
Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Valid driver's license.
Experience supervising research staff, coordinators, and/or student workers.
Experience overseeing project budgets and the financial and administrative aspects of grant-funded research.
Experience with community-engaged research, health disparities, and clinical-community partnerships.
Experience designing and conducting qualitative data collection, including semi-structured interview guides and focus group protocols.
Proficiency with qualitative analysis software such as ATLAS.ti, Dedoose, or NVivo.
Experience managing REDCap databases and ensuring compliance with HIPAA, data management plans, and institutional policies.

Responsibilities

Coordinate data collection across study sites, including REDCap survey administration and qualitative interviews or focus groups.
Support IRB submissions, continuing review, and data use agreements with partner organizations.
Conduct literature searches and assist with qualitative research plans, study protocols, and semi-structured interview guides.
Apply community-engaged research principles to build and maintain relationships with clinical and community partners.
Screen, recruit, and retain study participants, including managing participant compensation.
Conduct qualitative data collection, oversee transcription, and perform thematic coding and analysis using software such as ATLAS.ti or Dedoose.
Support quantitative data management and basic statistical analyses.
Monitor project timelines and deliverables across active studies.
Assist with preparing community briefs, progress reports, grant proposals, and manuscripts.
May provide day-to-day guidance to research assistants, interns, or student staff.