What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate and Project Manager position at Virginia Tech?
Job Description
The Department of Population Health Sciences at Virginia Tech is currently seeking a Research Associate and Project Manager. The researcher will play a key role in conducting and coordinating activities for a new NIH-funded study evaluating how the use of drinking water filters may improve health outcomes among individuals living in rural regions reliant on well or spring water sources. This position involves leading and coordinating research activities, including study implementation, data collection, quality assurance, and collaboration with community and academic partners.
In partnership with the principal investigator, the incumbent may contribute to aspects of the design and execution of the research program, ensuring project milestones and deliverables are met in alignment with sponsor expectations. Responsibilities include coordinating field operations, maintaining research protocols, overseeing data management to ensure scientific integrity and compliance with ethical standards.
In addition to the project coordination, the incumbent may engage in scholarly activities, such as contributions to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, development and delivery of conference materials and presentations, contributions to reports, and grant-related documentation. This position offers opportunities for professional growth in environmental health research, community-based field studies, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree, or Bachelor's degree if the candidate has substantial and highly relevant experience in lieu of an advanced degree. Experience conducting research. Project management experience. Evidence of effective communication and teamwork skills. Ability to work independently as well as with others and teams. Ability to coordinate and lead data collection efforts and supervise lab sample chain of custody and travel logistics. Valid driver’s license and good driving record. To excel, the person in this position should be highly detail-oriented and possess excellent organizational, planning, time-management, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work outdoors, standing, walking and bending, traversing uneven terrain, and being exposed to a variety of environmental conditions. Ability to lift and move equipment weighing 25 pounds. Must wear personal protective equipment at times as appropriate.
Ability to travel to the southwest region of Virginia, approximately two or three days per week on average. Occasional overnight and weekend engagement as dictated by the research project.
Preferred Qualifications
Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification. Experience administering research surveys and/or working in a research laboratory. Experience with clinical trials. Experience with program monitoring and evaluation. Experience working with database management software such as REDCap. Familiarity with the far southwest region of Virginia.
Pay Band
Faculty; Salary
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Salaried; commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
12/1/2025
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Alasdair Cohen at agcohen@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer