Senior Survey Research Specialist

About the Opportunity

The Health Affairs Institute within the WVU Health Sciences Center provides organizational leadership for collaborative activities involving the Health Sciences Center, the West Virginia Department of Health Services (WV DoHS) and other partners. These include, among others, providing data analytic support, program evaluation expertise, technical assistance, and project management support. With office locations in both Morgantown and Charleston, the Health Affairs Institute (HAI) employs over 90 full-time staff and engages numerous faculty and staff from other units of the University to fulfill its service mission to the state.

The Senior Survey Research Specialist will support the implementation of survey and mixed methods initiatives with external partners. General responsibilities include conducting and developing survey and mixed methods research, such as leading survey programming and data collection efforts. The position works under general supervision of the project leader(s) and the Survey Research Team Director and performs a wide range of highly technical and complex survey activities.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Responsible for conducting mixed methods research and pilot activities of one or more concurrent complex survey-related projects.
• Performs data collection activities such as conducting surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups using telephone, video conferencing, paper/pencil, in-person, online, or other modalities.
• Programs and monitors surveys using survey software platforms such as Voxco or similar.
• Performs quality assurance checks of collected quantitative data. Investigates and solves software platform issues.
• Collaborates with other researchers to improve survey design. Leads call center administration development and implementation.
• Travels to collect and record survey data as appropriate to the specific objectives of the project and/or survey.
• Codes and verifies data in accordance with specified research protocol and coding procedures and enters data into a computer database and/or spreadsheet application for subsequent analysis.
• Develops or assists in the development of survey interview schedules; contacts potential subjects to introduce and explain study objectives and protocol, and to arrange interviews, either in person, by telephone or online.
• Identifies and compiles lists of potential research subjects in accordance with study objectives and parameters, as appropriate to the individual project.
• Responsible for completing complex quantitative and/or qualitative research and evaluation activities according to prescribed project workplans.
• Designs, implements, and maintains data collection tools and survey instruments and documents data collection processes and procedures.
• Conducts and records face-to-face and/or telephone surveys or interviews with subjects, in accordance with predetermined protocols, data collection procedures, and documentation standards.
• Reviews and edits data to ensure completeness and accuracy of information; follows up with subjects to resolve problems or clarify data collected.
• Searches and reviews literature for related research developments and techniques and compiles findings using prescribed processes and procedures.
• Compiles, collects, and assists with interpretation of data. May perform analyses of secondary and/or primary data depending on the needs of the project.
• Communicates results of research assignments to internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• Prepares written materials, charts, graphs, reports, and presentations on research results, methods, and findings.
• Ensures research and evaluation activities are compliant with WVU, federal, and state policies and procedures for the responsible conduct of research, as well as activities adhere to established OHA PDMO policies and procedures.
• Provides mentoring, training, and support to entry level Research Specialists surrounding survey development and administration.
• Serves as a technical resource for other research personnel.
• Co-authors peer-reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, conference presentation materials.
• Presents findings at local, state, or national conferences and/or meetings in collaboration with project and/or measurement program teams.
• Helps prepare IRB applications and materials.
• Conducts and/or assists with special projects or other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a health science-related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in the following:
  • Experience in health-related research or evaluation.
  • Experience with survey research in a professional office environment.
  • Experience working with multi-modal software (e.g., Voxco) for survey research, including CATI, CAWI, etc.
  • Experience creating and managing online survey platforms (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics).
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability in health-related research and evaluation techniques.
• Demonstrated ability in survey research design and methods.
• Skill in survey programming and development.
• Skill in identifying and recruiting research subjects.
• Survey interviewing and data collection skills.
• Ability to understand and apply specified field research procedures and protocols.
• Computer data entry skills.
• Skill in the use of computer spreadsheet and/or database applications in the compilation of research data.
• Ability to evaluate, verify, and edit research data.
• Able to work independently under general supervision.
• Able to read and interpret verbal and written directions.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and follow through on assignments.
• Strong precision and attention to detail skills.
• Must have strong decision-making skills and be able to exercise good judgment.
• Ability to prepare and present findings that are clear and understandable to diverse stakeholders.
• Skills using and identifying health data and literature, or other reports related to assigned project.
• Ability to project and maintain a positive and collaborative attitude.
• Strong written communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working collaboratively with state-level policy stakeholders.
• Skills developing research survey questionnaires desired.
• Experience with statistical and qualitative analysis activities and software such as SPSS, SAS, Atlas Ti, and NVivo desired.

Requirements

• Valid Driver's License and the ability to travel.

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

Job Posting

• Job Posting: Jul 30, 2026
• Posting Classification: FE/AP
• Exemption Status: Exempt
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Schedule: Full-time

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