NC - Durham & Research Triangle

26826BR

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 supporting a portfolio of EPA- and NIH-funded research projects. These include community-engaged research projects in climate change and health in community-based settings, as well as exposure-related studies to assess adverse health effects, identify and implement interventions to mitigate these, and address health inequities.

This role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, working 1-2 days onsite at any of Westat's offices in the U.S. including: Rockville, MD; Arlington, VA; Durham, NC; Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; or San Antonio, TX.

Job Responsibilities:
* Serve as a subject-matter expert, including consulting in meetings or other forums, providing scientific support to academic and community partners, and developing or reviewing dissemination products.
* Lead or provide methodological expertise in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, including major input to study design, instrument development, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
* Facilitate the establishment and management of communities of practice to leverage expertise and resources across community-engaged research initiatives in addressing the impact of climate change on health.
* Provide operational support, ensuring the highest quality of deliverables and monitoring project costs to achieve financial performance.
* Manage client relationships, delivering strategic council and troubleshooting project-related issues.
* Lead and participate in business development activities including capture and proposal development.

Basic Qualifications:
* Master's degree in environmental health sciences or a related field and 8 years of related experience; or a PhD and 5 years of related experience.
* Demonstrated knowledge of health effects related to climate change and evidence-based interventions to mitigate the adverse health effects.
* Proven knowledge of climate change science, public health principles, and adapting, implementing and evaluating evidence-based practices and interventions that promote health and equity, increase climate resilience, and protect communities from the effects of climate change.
* Experience conducting community-based research, preferably using participatory research methods and approaches.
* Experience managing multidisciplinary project teams, schedules, and budgets.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience working in federal contracting or consulting organizations, or leading federal research grants/contracts.
* Experience working in or collaborating with academic institutions.
* Experience with networks that conduct clinical trials, community-engaged research and/or practice-based research.
* Familiarity with implementation science research.
* Experience working in racial/ethnic minority diverse communities and other health disparity populations.
* Proficient in clear and effective communication, adhering to generally accepted correspondence and report formats.
* Exceptional attention to detail.
* Capable and adept at managing multiple, complex tasks collaboratively with others and under limited direction.
* Demonstrates robust interpersonal skills.

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 Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (20 days per year)
• Sick Leave (10 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays per year)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health 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.

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Career Area

Research - Health Studies

Pay Range

The anticipated salary range for this role is 150-190k and will be commensurate with experience.

Bonus Eligibility

Yes