Research Scientist

Job Description

Job Title: Research Scientist

Reports To: Kathleen Carlson

FLSA Status: Exempt

Starting Salary: $110,000

Work Type: Hybrid

SUMMARY

This role provides support to multiple research projects intended to advance scientific understanding of issues related to injury/violence and other important health care problems and conditions that affect Veterans. Ongoing projects are related to strategies to identify and ameliorate social and financial needs related to Veteran suicide, firearm injury and firearm suicide prevention, healthcare for Veterans with traumatic brain injury and other chronic health conditions, care coordination in VA/VA-purchased care, and opioid and other medication safety.

The Research Scientist will collaborate with and provide support to the Principal Investigator. General responsibilities include providing quantitative study design and methodology guidance to the research team, writing quantitative aims in grant applications, and providing quantitative data analysis activities for reports, manuscripts, and other publications. The Research Scientist will collaborate with an active group of investigators, statisticians, data analysts, and research staff. This position involves working as a team member, requiring excellent and effective oral and written communication skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (**denotes essential)

**Active in and/or oversees the design and collection of research data. Develops quantitative data collection methods including surveys and administrative data analyses. Reviews both the processes for collecting data and the initial data to ensure alignment with the project's aims and IRB regulations.

**Serves as a project methodologist. Conceptualizes and writes the quantitative sections of grants and peer-reviewed manuscripts. Reviews grants and manuscripts for quantitative precision prior to submission.

Contributes to discussions and decisions on study design, methodological approaches, and analytical strategies with investigators and other collaborators.

**Develops data analysis plans and reviews the on-going process to ensure analysis matches project goals. Participates and often leads findings discussions and relevance to existing literature.

First or second author on at least one paper annually; takes the lead on the conceptualization and writing of manuscripts. May delegate certain sections to the writing team but ultimately responsible for the final product. Mentors other staff in writing and presenting.

**Collaborates with investigators and operations members from other VAMCs and across VACO. Establishes relationships within a larger research community.

Provides in-house training/mentorship on research methods to senior and junior level staff.

Professional development including keeping up with current methodologies through trainings and professional conferences.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

PhD or Masters +10 years of experience in public health, epidemiology, or related field with quantitative methods training.

Advanced knowledge of theories, methods, and techniques of quantitative methodology, especially those applicable to health services research.

Has had experience working on numerous quantitative projects working in various roles.

Has experience working on issues related to VA and Veterans health.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Takes the initiative to identify quantitative needs (both project and center-wide) and addresses them.

Conceptualizes new and innovative approaches to quantitative data collection, analysis, and presentation of results.

Demonstrates ability to identify and apply for grant funding opportunities.

Demonstrates ability to match methods with projects aims. Stays abreast of new developments and major issues in the field. Consulted by others for guidance.

Commitment to contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.

Excellent quantitative analysis and statistical skills.

Able to use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to conduct project activities. Also has knowledge and use of quantitative software programs (SAS, Stata, R).

Ability to manage and perform multiple tasks under conditions of fluctuating workloads, competing requirements, and changing deadlines.

Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction. Ability to work in a complex environment.

Ability to analyze problems and offer creative solutions and implement changes.

Strong demonstrated organization skills, with the ability to understand overall program objectives and maintain attention to detail.

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Because this position is based in a VA facility, the Research Assistant must secure a VA Without Compensation Appointment (WOC) prior to starting work, and must maintain a WOC Appointment in order to continue employment.

The VA's WOC process will be facilitated by the supervisor and processed through the VA Research and Development office. The screening process required to obtain a WOC may include a background check, a credit check, a physical, a drug test, and a TB test.

After the WOC process has been completed, the VA also requires several trainings prior to employees starting work.

Portland VA Research Foundation is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin or age.

All PVARF employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 within 8 weeks of hire, unless medically exempt. Employees will be required to provide either proof of vaccination or an approved medical exemption prior to beginning work.

Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Full-time

Hybrid remote