Research Specialist, Public Health Sciences

University of Virginia
University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA, USA

USD 24-26.92 / hour

Posted on Aug 8, 2026

The Department of Public Health Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia (UVA) is currently seeking a motivated public health and/or behavioral science professional to act as a research specialist to support the execution of several community-based research projects. The research projects are related to obesity, and cancer. This position is with Dr. Becca Krukowski’s team and in affiliation with the Community Cancer Control and Obesity Research Center and the UVACCC Cancer Prevention and Population Health (CPH) Program.

Responsibilities

  • Help develop study protocols and IRB submissions
  • Collect and verify data relating to human subject’s research
  • Interact with participants
  • Develop self-monitoring feedback messages for research participants
  • Assist with qualitative and quantitative data management and analysis

Minimum Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in public health, behavioral science, health sciences or related field required

Preferred Qualifications

  • Education: A Master's degree in nutrition, physical activity, public health, behavioral science, health sciences, or related field OR a Bachelor's degree in nutrition, public health, behavioral science, health sciences, or related field with two years relevant work experience. Experience gained as a student will be considered.
  • Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to follow instructions.
  • Excellent communication skills, including with diverse audiences for recruitment and participant management efforts.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand research processes and knowledge of general research procedures, including survey procedures.
  • Proficiency with computer software, including Word, Power Point and Excel.
  • Experience with community-based lifestyle behavioral trials and grant funded projects.
  • Experience with data entry and conducting simple statistical analyses.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range

  • The anticipated hiring range is $24.00 - $26.92 hourly ($50,000 - $56,000 annualized), commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

  • This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
  • This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
  • This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin August 13, and the position will remain open until filled.

Additional Requirements

  • Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
  • This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0086150. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. Complete an application with the following documents:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter to include your interest in the position and your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive consideration.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

  • For questions about the application process, please contact Melanie Sponaugle, unw5dq@virginia.edu.


The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.