(Remote) Research Specialist - Institute for Community and Rural Health - West Virginia University Research Corporation

The Institute for Community and Rural Health at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a (Remote) Research Specialist

About the Opportunity

The Research Specialist leads and supports the implementation of research and evaluation projects by conducting literature reviews, developing measurement tools, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting the development of project deliverables for the USDA Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access cooperative agreement, titled Working Lands of Central Appalachia, a multi-state project. 

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks

What You'll Do

• Support the development and implementation of research and evaluation projects
• Conduct and document literature reviews
• Develop valid and reliable measurement tools including assessments, surveys and interview guides.  
• Develop and submit IRB applications  
• Prepare quantitative measurement tools for distribution by formatting paper forms or building electronic surveys.  
• Collect qualitative and quantitative data by conducting interviews/observations and administering surveys/assessments.  
• Develop codebooks to ensure accurate data entry and storage
• Transcribe qualitative data gathered from interviews and prepare transcribed data for coding.  
• Enter the quantitative data into spreadsheets by ensuring the appropriate data structure and security.  
• Prepare data for analysis by cleaning, coding, and merging data.  
• Conduct qualitative (coding, theming) and quantitative data analysis (descriptives, ANOVA, regression, multivariate).
• Support the implementation of research and evaluation projects.
• Conduct literature reviews, design and administer and implements research projects as specified in the project plan.
• Prepare quantitative measurement tools for distribution by formatting paper forms or building electronic surveys. 
• Applies appropriate quantitative, statistical and or qualitative methods for analysis and interpretation of data.
• Develop valid and reliable measurement tools including assessments, surveys and interview guides.   
• Collects data in accordance with ethical and technical principles.
• Collect qualitative and quantitative data by conducting interviews/observations and administering surveys/assessments. 
• Develop codebooks to ensure accurate data entry and storage, including developing and maintaining data management plans and data use agreements. 
• Transcribe qualitative data gathered from interviews and prepare transcribed data for coding. 
• Enter the quantitative data into spreadsheets by ensuring the appropriate data structure and security. 
• Prepare data for analysis by cleaning, coding, and merging data.   
• Conduct qualitative (coding, theming) and quantitative data analysis (descriptives, ANOVA, regression, multivariate). 
• Review and write manuscripts for submission to professional and/or scientific journals or reports to the sponsoring agency.
• Collaborates with researchers, scholars and other stakeholders as relevant to the project.
• Identifies new or prospective sponsors and funding opportunities and drafts proposals for new/renewed research funding.
• Monitors daily operation of research programs/projects, including the reporting requirements, budgets and timetables specified in the project.
• Leads discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a principal researcher.
• Support the development of deliverables, presentations, and manuscripts by participating in storyboarding sessions, writing reports, presenting deliverables and leading manuscript development and dissemination plans. 
• Ensures that research projects comply with scientific and ethical requirements.
• May contribute to applications for external funding as a co-principal investigator.
• May serve as a principal investigator on a funded research or scholarship project or as a co-investigator under the general direction of a principal investigator.
• May present at professional conferences and meetings in the relevant field.
• Submit peer reviewed manuscripts, give professional presentations, interact with farmers and potential farmers.
• Serve as a lead and direct support to assist the PI, staff, and students to perform research activities. 

• Master's degree in agriculture, food systems, nutrition or health related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the following:
  • Experience conducting research and evaluation studies in an academic or applied setting.  
  • Experience developing valid and reliable measurement tools such as interview guides, surveys, or assessments.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis.  
• Proficient in data collection and analysis tools such as Qualtrics, NVivo, and SAS.  
• High level of attention to detail and ability to problem solve.  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Demonstrated writing skills (English fluency) for published content designed for a variety of audiences and mediums, proposal preparation, reporting and other assigned tasks.  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and communities.  
• Takes initiative, self-starter, and self-directed as well as the ability to work effectively in a team.

• Valid driver's license
• Other preferred credentials:  GIS Certificate, RDN

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University.  We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

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