Principal Research Associate – AI/AN and NHPI - Remote

Job Description

Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.

Westat has an immediate opening for a Principal Research Associate to join our team of leading public health researchers in supporting community-engaged research and evaluation studies. Projects may focus on chronic conditions, social determinants of health, climate change impact on health, and engaging Tribal Nations and/or Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders. Work may include partnership engagement, training and technical assistance in program development, research, and evaluation to address health disparities and health equity in health promotion and disease prevention. The successful candidate will have demonstrated expertise in project management, evidence-based and multi-level community interventions, evaluation research, training and technical assistance, and business development.

This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement (U.S. based).

Job Responsibilities

Lead and support qualitative and/or quantitative research, including major input to study design, instrument development, data collection, analysis, and report writing. Lead the provision of technical assistance to community-engaged research teams, including overseeing teams' workplans and developing training materials and workshops. Lead and partner with cross-functional project teams. Serve as subject-matter expert in community-engaged research, including frameworks, best practices, and resources. Provide subject-matter expertise in multi-level, evidence-based interventions to address chronic conditions, social determinants of health, and/or climate and health. Serve as a subject-matter expert to projects with an authentic lens toward engaging American Indians and Alaska Natives and/or Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders. Provide operational support, overseeing and monitoring project costs as well as financial performance. Meet and communicate regularly with research teams to review progress, provide strategic guidance, and identify risks and potential solutions to ensure that teams’ deliverables are on time and high quality. Communicate regularly and effectively with project leadership about successes and challenges with research teams and contribute to developing solutions. Lead and participate in business development activities including capture and proposal development. Contribute to report results for publication in peer-reviewed and technical journals.

Basic Qualifications

Master's degree in public health, social sciences or a related field and 8 years of post-grad experience; or a PhD and 5 years post-doc of related experience. Experience managing project plans (e.g., budgets, deliverables, timelines) and project teams that include academic researchers and community partners. In depth scientific knowledge of public health programs, intervention research, infrastructure, and current issues and evidence-based practices. Experience in health equity and community-engaged research. Knowledge of and experience developing American Indian and Alaska Native and/or Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health-related and behavior change programs and collaborating with organizations focused on American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and nations.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in or collaborating with academic institutions Familiarity with implementation science research

Minimum Required Qualifications

Demonstrated communication skills Collaboration with teams, managers and/or clients Organization skills, including time management ability Detail oriented

Requirements

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

Employee Stock Ownership Plan401(k) Retirement PlanPaid Parental LeaveVacation Leave (20 days per year)Sick Leave (10 days per year)Holiday Leave (7 Government Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays per year)Professional DevelopmentHealth AdvocateEmployee Assistance ProgramTravel Accident InsuranceMedical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceShort Term Disability InsuranceLong Term Disability InsuranceLife and AD&D InsuranceCritical Illness InsuranceSupplemental Life InsuranceFlexible Spending AccountHealth Savings Account

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.

#Remote

Career Area

Research - Health Studies

Pay Range

The anticipated salary range for this role is $140-$160k and will be commensurate with experience.

Bonus Eligibility

Yes