VCU School of Public Health · 1 hour ago
Senior Research Scientist - Social and Behavioral Sciences
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$85K/yr - $95K/yr
2+ years expVCU School of Public Health is seeking a talented research scientist for the OPT for Health lab, specializing in community-engaged research and behavioral clinical trials. The role involves overseeing ongoing trials, providing scientific oversight, and collaborating on grant proposals and publications.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Provide day-to-day scientific oversight in the planning and execution of multiple ongoing behavioral clinical trials, ensuring both fidelity of intervention implementation and rigorous outcome assessments with high data quality
Monitor and oversee participant facing activities to ensure participant experience is consistent with best practices and lab values
Plan and implement improvements in systems, processes, and procedures to increase efficiency, productivity, quality, and participant experience in the lab
Indirect supervisor and day-to-day support for senior research staff members (e.g., Clinical Research Coordinator)
Provide scientific, ethical, and practical guidance and oversight to lab staff as a subject matter expert in behavioral clinical trials and community-engaged research
Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skill and the ability to provide effective coaching and feedback, serving as the primary partner for the lab director and associate director, to support team success and efficiency
Develop trial protocols and related documents that require both scientific and regulatory knowledge
Contribute to the development, writing, and submission of new extramural funding proposals to advance the research and training mission of the lab
Lead and collaborate on peer-reviewed publications stemming from recently completed and ongoing studies in the lab
Work closely with the communications coordinator and director to create lay facing content for the lab website and social media platforms (e.g., blogs, infographics)
Assist the director and associate director with planning and executing community facing data dissemination events
Qualification
Required
PhD in exercise science, nutrition, psychology or related field
At least 2 years relevant postdoctoral research training / experience
Formal training and experience in the design and conduct of behavioral clinical trials
Formal training and experience in community-engaged research
Evidence of deep appreciation of social drivers of health in the role of chronic disease prevention and management
Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership over multiple complex projects simultaneously
Experience in scientific writing, including grant proposals, peer-reviewed publications, as well as lay and community facing data dissemination products
Exceptional interpersonal skills
Ability to work well as a member of a team and to manage both up and down to facilitate team success
Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
Preferred
Experience mentoring or training others within the context of research studies
Mixed methods training and experience
Excellent written communication skills
Strong evidence of scholarly productivity, including conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications
Research training and experience that is well aligned with the lab mission and ongoing studies
Benefits
Comprehensive health benefits
Paid annual and holiday leave granted up front
Generous tuition benefits
Retirement planning and savings options
Tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs
Employee discounts
Well-being resources
Abundant opportunities for career development and advancement
Company
VCU School of Public Health
The School of Public Health at VCU was established in July 2023, bringing the departments of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Policy, and Social and Behavioral Sciences together under a unified focus on public and population health.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase