Research Jobs in West Virginia
Research jobs in West Virginia are concentrated in healthcare, energy, environmental science, and higher education, with demand at levels from research assistant to senior principal investigator. The most active hiring metros are Morgantown, Charleston, and Huntington, where institutions like West Virginia University, Charleston Area Medical Center, and Marshall University anchor the market. Data science, clinical research coordination, and energy-sector environmental analysis are among the most in-demand specialties right now. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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The Health Affairs Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Research Scientist.
About the Opportunity
West Virginia University’s Health Affairs Institute (HAI) is seeking candidates for a full-time Research Scientist position. Established in 2017, HAI serves as the University partner for the State-University partnership with the West Virginia Medicaid program, is the only nationally recognized Public Health Institute serving West Virginia (WV) and engages in collaborative activities with the WV Department of Human Services, the WV Department of Health and a variety of other local, state and federal partnering organizations. With office locations in both Morgantown and Charleston, HAI employs over 80 full-time staff and also engages with faculty and staff from other units of the University to fulfill its service mission to the state. HAI capabilities and areas of expertise include, among others, health data analytics, mixed methods research, survey research, large scale program evaluations, and professional project management. See https://healthaffairsinstitute.org for additional organizational information.
The Research Scientist is a key participant in HAI’s State-University partnership and interdisciplinary research and evaluation project teams and reports directly to an HAI Portfolio Director. Overarching responsibilities include providing scientific and technical leadership for projects, overseeing study/evaluation design, ensuring methodological rigor, and maintaining supportive client relationships.
- 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
What You'll Do
- Serve as the scientific lead for designated projects and complete task elements of projects under other leadership as needed
- Collaborates with project directors and project managers to create and implement workplans, determine scientific approach and research staffing needs
- 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, ensuring integration of methods, staffing, and deliverables
- 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 that data analytic and research/evaluation activities are compliant with university-level policies for the responsible conduct of research as well as federal, and state policies, laws, and regulations.
- Lead composition of reports as required by the University, the Health Sciences Center administration, and external agencies
- Communicate results of analytic projects and program evaluations with external stakeholders and project sponsors
- Lead the development of publications for peer-reviewed manuscripts and contribute to institutional visibility through conference presentations
- Earned Ph.D. in health-related field.
-
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Medicaid/Medicare services, health services research, public health, mental health, substance use, health policy, rural health; as evidenced by publications and/or sustained involvement in a research or evaluation program.
- Experience conducting large scale research/evaluations within the healthcare industry, academic or governmental sectors
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Extensive knowledge and experience in utilizing various large health databases for research, program evaluation, and policy development; experience in mixed method designs and/or claims data preferred.
- Experience analyzing quantitative and/or qualitative data
- Knowledge in the use of standard statistical analysis packages such as SPSS, SAS, or R or qualitative analysis packages such as Nvivo or Atlas.TI
- Experience designing and overseeing large public health projects, involving the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data
- Consistent record of successfully publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts in the field of public health, health policy, or health services research
- Experience training and/or supervising other individuals
- Creative problem-solving ability and strong organizational skills
- Ability to project and maintain a positive and collaborative attitude.
- Proficient in communicating professionally, orally, and in writing, goals, methods, and results of program initiatives with diverse groups of stakeholders.
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to travel on an intermittent basis if/when required.
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.
The Health Affairs Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Research Scientist.
About the Opportunity
West Virginia University’s Health Affairs Institute (HAI) is seeking candidates for a full-time Research Scientist position. Established in 2017, HAI serves as the University partner for the State-University partnership with the West Virginia Medicaid program, is the only nationally recognized Public Health Institute serving West Virginia (WV) and engages in collaborative activities with the WV Department of Human Services, the WV Department of Health and a variety of other local, state and federal partnering organizations. With office locations in both Morgantown and Charleston, HAI employs over 80 full-time staff and also engages with faculty and staff from other units of the University to fulfill its service mission to the state. HAI capabilities and areas of expertise include, among others, health data analytics, mixed methods research, survey research, large scale program evaluations, and professional project management. See https://healthaffairsinstitute.org for additional organizational information.
The Research Scientist is a key participant in HAI’s State-University partnership and interdisciplinary research and evaluation project teams and reports directly to an HAI Portfolio Director. Overarching responsibilities include providing scientific and technical leadership for projects, overseeing study/evaluation design, ensuring methodological rigor, and maintaining supportive client relationships.
- 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
What You'll Do
- Serve as the scientific lead for designated projects and complete task elements of projects under other leadership as needed
- Collaborates with project directors and project managers to create and implement workplans, determine scientific approach and research staffing needs
- 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, ensuring integration of methods, staffing, and deliverables
- 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 that data analytic and research/evaluation activities are compliant with university-level policies for the responsible conduct of research as well as federal, and state policies, laws, and regulations.
- Lead composition of reports as required by the University, the Health Sciences Center administration, and external agencies
- Communicate results of analytic projects and program evaluations with external stakeholders and project sponsors
- Lead the development of publications for peer-reviewed manuscripts and contribute to institutional visibility through conference presentations
- Earned Ph.D. in health-related field.
-
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Medicaid/Medicare services, health services research, public health, mental health, substance use, health policy, rural health; as evidenced by publications and/or sustained involvement in a research or evaluation program.
- Experience conducting large scale research/evaluations within the healthcare industry, academic or governmental sectors
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Extensive knowledge and experience in utilizing various large health databases for research, program evaluation, and policy development; experience in mixed method designs and/or claims data preferred.
- Experience analyzing quantitative and/or qualitative data
- Knowledge in the use of standard statistical analysis packages such as SPSS, SAS, or R or qualitative analysis packages such as Nvivo or Atlas.TI
- Experience designing and overseeing large public health projects, involving the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data
- Consistent record of successfully publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts in the field of public health, health policy, or health services research
- Experience training and/or supervising other individuals
- Creative problem-solving ability and strong organizational skills
- Ability to project and maintain a positive and collaborative attitude.
- Proficient in communicating professionally, orally, and in writing, goals, methods, and results of program initiatives with diverse groups of stakeholders.
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to travel on an intermittent basis if/when required.
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.
See All 41 Research Jobs in West Virginia
Find roles in West Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research JobsResearch Jobs by City in West Virginia
Where West Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Job Market in West Virginia
A snapshot from current West Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- West Virginia University21
- WVU Medicine4
- Hawai'i Pacific University2
- InfiniSource Consulting Solutions2
- DeepOcean1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education18
- Healthcare & Medical Services17
- Science & Research11
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What West Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research jobs across West Virginia.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific, social science, or technical field
- Experience designing and executing quantitative or qualitative research studies
- Proficiency with statistical software such as SPSS, R, or SAS for data analysis
- Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, grants, or peer-reviewed publications
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and ethical standards for human subjects research
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet institutional reporting deadlines
Research Jobs in West Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research in West Virginia?
Most research positions in West Virginia require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, though academic and clinical roles increasingly favor a master's or doctoral credential. There is no single state-issued research license, but clinical research coordinators working with human subjects must complete Good Clinical Practice training and comply with IRB requirements. Researchers in regulated industries such as environmental monitoring may need field-specific certifications recognized by West Virginia state agencies or federal counterparts.
Which companies hire researchs in West Virginia?
Companies currently hiring researchs in West Virginia include West Virginia University, WVU Medicine, and Hawai'i Pacific University, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. West Virginia University and its affiliated research centers, along with energy and environmental consulting firms operating in the Appalachian region, are among the most consistent sources of research openings in the state.
Which West Virginia cities have the most research jobs?
Morgantown, Charleston, and Institute have the most research openings in West Virginia. Morgantown leads because West Virginia University and its health sciences campus generate a high volume of academic and clinical research roles, while Charleston's concentration of state agencies, healthcare systems, and energy consultancies sustains steady demand, and Huntington benefits from Marshall University and Cabell Huntington Hospital anchoring that market.
Are there remote research jobs in West Virginia?
Yes, and they're more common than in many fields. About 48% of research openings tied to West Virginia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting how much of the work involves data analysis, literature review, and report writing rather than hands-on lab or fieldwork. Roles focused on qualitative analysis, survey research, and data science tend to offer the most remote flexibility.
How can I get hired as a research in West Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research assistant or coordinator role at one of West Virginia's university-affiliated research centers, particularly through West Virginia University's undergraduate and graduate research programs, which regularly hire junior staff without prior professional experience. Applying to clinical research assistant postings at Charleston Area Medical Center or Marshall Health gives candidates exposure to regulated research environments. Completing an IRB human subjects training certificate and building a portfolio through capstone projects or thesis work significantly strengthens early applications.
Where can I find and apply to research jobs in West Virginia?
You can find and apply to research jobs in West Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current West Virginia openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit. No sign-up is required to see available positions.
See All 41 Research Jobs in West Virginia
Find roles in West Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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