Research Scientist – Health Affairs Institute

WVU Online

Research Scientist managing interdisciplinary projects at the Health Affairs Institute of West Virginia University. Overseeing research teams and ensuring methodological rigor in evaluations and studies.

Posted 7/10/2026full-timeMorgantown • Virginia, West Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the scientific lead for designated projects
Collaborates with project directors and project managers to create and implement workplans
Lead development of study protocols, IRB submissions, analytic plans, and evaluation frameworks
Ensure scientific rigor, validity, and quality of all deliverables
Oversee research teams in analysis, synthesis, and dissemination of results
Identify and address complex methodological or implementation challenges
Coordinate work across a portfolio of projects
Lead proposal development and contribute to the organization’s strategic business development goals
Build and maintain relationships with funders, state agencies, and nonprofit partners
Participate in internal strategic planning, methodological innovation, and staff development initiatives
Supervise, mentor and guide the professional development of assigned science team personnel
Lead hiring or selection processes for project staff as needed
Ensure compliance with university-level policies for the responsible conduct of research
Lead composition of reports as required
Communicate results of analytic projects and program evaluations with external stakeholders
Lead the development of publications for peer-reviewed manuscripts

Requirements

What you’ll need

Earned Ph.D. in health-related field
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in Medicaid/Medicare services, health services research, public health, mental health, substance use, health policy, rural health
Experience conducting large scale research/evaluations within the healthcare industry, academic or governmental sectors.
Valid Driver’s License and ability to travel on an intermittent basis if/when required.

Benefits

Comp & perks

37.5-hour work week
13 paid holidays
24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
18 sick days per year
WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match
Wellness programs

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Study Protocol DevelopmentIRB SubmissionAnalytic Plan DevelopmentEvaluation FrameworksResearch AnalysisMethodological InnovationReport CompositionPublication Development

Soft Skills

CollaborationMentoringCommunicationStrategic Planning

Certifications

Valid Driver’s License