Research Specialist, Department of Public Health Sciences

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 nutrition, obesity, and cancer. This position is with Dr. Jamie Zoellner’s team and in affiliation with the Community Cancer Control and Obesity Research Center and the UVACCC Cancer Prevention and Population Health (CPH) Program. This position is based in UVA's satellite office in Christiansburg, VA, and will require occasional in-state and overnight travel.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Develop and adapt nutrition, obesity, and cancer control curricula.
• Coordinate and implement program activities in early childhood education centers, middle schools, healthcare systems and other community-based organizations.
• Interact with participants and stakeholder.
• Collect and verify data relating to human subject’s research.
• Assist with qualitative and quantitative data management and analysis.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in public health, behavioral science, health sciences or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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 is required. 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.
• The 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 $55,000 - $65,000 annually ($26.44 - $31.25 hourly), 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 Christiansburg, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin September 29, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks and health screenings will be conducted on all new hires.
• 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 R0087418. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

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 regarding the position, please contact Annie Reid, MPH, RDN, at aml8ap@virginia.edu
• 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 .