Senior Research Scientist - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Position Summary:

The OPT for Health lab (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). seeks a talented research scientist with an evidenced
commitment to authentic community-engaged research and expertise in the design and conduct of behavioral
clinical trials. This individual will work closely with the lab director (Dr. Jessica LaRose) and associate director
(Dr. Autumn Lanoye) to oversee the day-to-day implementation of several ongoing trials, with an eye toward
implementation fidelity and maintaining high rigor. Given the nature of the lab mission and ongoing trials,
candidates with training and expertise in social drivers of health and lifestyle interventions are particularly
encouraged to apply. The individual will work closely with trial coordinators and staff, providing day-to-day
support and supervision, serving as the primary partner for Drs. LaRose and Lanoye in the daily management
and scientific oversight of ongoing trials. The individual will also collaborate with Drs. LaRose and Lanoye on
the development and submission of new grant proposals, and there are numerous opportunities to lead and / or
collaborate on peer-reviewed publications and other data dissemination products.

• 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

Personnel Supervision and Support

• 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

Scientific Writing

• 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

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 Qualifications

• 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

Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000

Benefits
:
All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes 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, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status:Exempt

Restricted Position:No

ORP Eligible: Yes

University

Job Title:

Sr. Scientist RS 1