Research Specialist Jobs for OPT Students

INTRODUCTION

The Health Affairs Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Research Specialist.

About the Opportunity

The Health Affairs Institute (HAI) within the WVU Health Sciences Center provides organizational leadership for collaborative activities involving the Health Sciences Center, the West Virginia Department of Health Services (WV DoHS) and other partners. These include, among others, providing data analytic support, program evaluation expertise, technical assistance, and project management support. With office locations in both Morgantown and Charleston, the Health Affairs Institute (HAI) employs over 90 full-time staff and engages numerous faculty and staff from other units of the University to fulfill its service mission to the state.

The Research Specialist is a key participant in HAI and its collaborative research and evaluation work with external partners. The general responsibilities include supporting research and evaluation activities such as data collection, literature searches, recruiting participants, writing reports, documents, or other deliverables, through participation on interdisciplinary research and evaluation teams. The position works under general supervision of the project leader(s) and performs a wide range of highly technical and complex research/evaluation activities. Under general supervision of the project leader(s), (portfolio leaders, research associate(s), and/or program or project director), the Research Specialist supports research and evaluation teams and contributes to the planning and performance of projects, programs, and activities.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

• Completes research and evaluation activities according to prescribed project workplans.
• Designs, implements, and maintains data collection tools and summarizes data collection processes, procedures, and activities.
• Performs data collection activities such as conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups using telephone, video conferencing, paper/pencil, in-person, online, or other modalities.
• Reviews literature for related research developments and techniques and compiles findings.
• Helps prepare IRB applications and materials.
• Compiles, and assists with interpretation of data. May perform analyses of secondary and/or primary data depending on the needs of the project.
• Prepares written materials, charts, graphs, reports, and presentations on research results, methods, and findings.
• Communicates results of analytic projects and program evaluations with external partners and stakeholders.
• Ensures research and evaluation activities are compliant with WVU, federal, and state policies and procedures for the responsible conduct of research, and that activities adhere to established HAI Program Development and Management Office policies and procedures.
• Communicates regular updates on tasks, activities, and related project topics to internal project teams using HAI established procedures and collaboration platforms (i.e., SharePoint, Monday.com, Teams, etc.)
• May help develop peer-reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, conference presentation materials.
• May present findings at local, state, or national conferences and/or meetings in collaboration with project team.
• Conducts and/or assists with special projects or other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in health science-related field.
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience in the following:
• Demonstrated experience in health-related research or evaluation.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with statistical and qualitative analysis activities and software such as SPSS, SAS, Atlas Ti, and NVivo.
• Experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research design and methods.
• Experience working collaboratively with state-level policy stakeholders.

All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Able to work independently with general supervision.
• Ability to read and interpret verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and follow through on assignments.
• Requires precision and attention to detail.
• Must have strong decision-making skills and be able to exercise good judgment.
• Ability to prepare and present findings that are clear and understandable to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong ability to communicate understandable ideas, information, and project results in writing for different audiences (i.e., public, stakeholders, sponsors, policy-makers).
• Strong ability to present information and respond to questions from groups or individuals.
• Knowledge and experience using and identifying health data and literature.
• Ability to project and maintain a positive and collaborative attitude and work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills both internally within HAI and externally.
• Demonstrated ability in health-related research and/or evaluation techniques.
• Ability to develop action plans and systems to facilitate and track implementation of activities.

Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License and ability to travel on an intermittent basis if/when required.

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

Job Posting: Mar 25, 2026
Posting Classification: FE/AP
Exemption Status: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Schedule: Full-time