Research Specialist Jobs

The Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine seeks applicants for Research Specialist position.

The project involves the establishment of major research collaboration between the three largest ophthalmology treatment centers in Virginia addressing the issue of vision loss. The CDC’s Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS) creates composite estimates of vision loss and major eye disease. This focused project will develop capabilities to enhance rigorous visual epidemiology risk assessment in our state.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct risk factor modeling to assess key demographic and clinical factors associated with significant visual impairment in the state based on the dataset assembled.
• Conduct targeted pilot eye health screening activities with regional clinical care partners in Southwest Virginia to supplement survey-based vision risk assessment methodologies.
• Validate and elucidate preliminary VEHSS data regarding burden of vision impairment in Southwest Virginia by combining an analysis of patient electronic medical records with other key demographic and behavioral system information available both from electronic medical records from the main ophthalmology care centers in Virginia with key county and individual demographic risk factors available from other surveillance risk factor estimates, to create a comprehensive data system that may additionally be entered into the SOURCE registry to produce more robust vision public health analyses.
• Conduct formative research and a needs assessment for vision care with regional health systems representatives, primary care clinic personnel, eye care physicians, and community patient groups, taking into account structural elements such as barriers to care and social determinants of vision health.
• Develop and pilot a self-reported visual impairment assessment survey supplement that can then be used to assess sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors in future studies and lead to development of population wide interventions to improve visual quality of life in the state.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in public health, health sciences or a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with computer software, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Background in Public Health and visual health research
• Excellent communication skills
• The ability to understand research processes and knowledge of general research procedures
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to follow instructions
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$50,000 - $55,000 commensurate with education and experience

This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding and performance. This is a Non-Exempt level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

This position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.

To Apply:

Please apply through Workday, and search for R0048750 . Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Complete an application online with the following documents:

• Cover letter
• CV

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process Skill Survey. A total of five references will be requested via Skill Survey during the final phase of the interview process.

For questions about the application process, please contact Yelena Markazyan, Academic Recruiter, at [email protected].

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.