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About the Position
The Research Scientist serves as a key member of the research and program
management team, responsible for coordinating, executing, and advancing scientific studies and related initiatives. This position ensures the successful implementation of research protocols, maintenance of study quality control, adherence to regulatory standards, and alignment with programmatic objectives. The Research Scientist collaborates with investigators, sponsors, and cross-functional teams to oversee day-today study operations, data collection, and analysis. This role demonstrates both scientific expertise and organizational skills to translate research concepts into actionable outcomes that advance the organization’s mission.
About the Project
The Research Scientist provides advanced scientific and technical expertise to support traumatic brain injury [TBI] biomarker research at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. This position oversees the design, coordination, and execution of biomarker-focused studies, while guiding multidisciplinary teams of government researchers, clinicians, contract staff, and academic collaborators. The incumbent contributes domain expertise in biomarker development and neurotrauma research to ensure high-impact scientific outcomes and alignment with the broader military medical research strategy.
Compensation: $95,000
Qualifications
- Master’s Degree (PhD preferred)) in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, or related field
- 2-4 years knowledge and experience with Department of Defense (DoD) Grants and Agreements administration and management, preferred
- 2-4 years progressive experience in research and/or program management
- Demonstrated experience in study design, implementation, and quality control
- Experience training research staff on study-specific procedures and documentation
- Familiarity with IRB submissions, human subjects research, and regulatory compliance
- Experience with advanced medical technologies, preferred
- Knowledge of military systems, preferred
- Excellent oral and written communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience collaborating with government or academic institutions (e.g., DoD, NIH, VA) preferred
- Strong project management and organizational skills with attention to detail
- Ability to be flexible with changing priorities and available to interact with employees, clients and sponsors of all levels
- Ability to exercise independent judgment in fast-paced, high-pressured environment with strict deadlines and to manage multiple projects
- Ability to develop strong trusting relationships to gain support and achieve results
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and research management tools (e.g., REDCap, Excel, SPSS, or similar) Management Responsibilities (Operational & Management)
- Monitor project timelines and deliverables to ensure milestones are met, including task prioritization, scheduling, and resource coordination
- Train research staff in study-specific procedures, data entry, sample handling, and documentation standards
- Develop and refine standard operating procedures to ensure consistency across projects
- Coordinate with compliance, regulatory, and administrative teams to align research and program goals
- Facilitate communication between leadership, investigators, and sponsors regarding project progress
- Identify and mitigate operational risks or barriers to successful study execution
- Promote efficiency through process improvements and strategic planning
Responsibilities (Scientific & Programmatic)
- Assist in leading research and study processes, including and advising on standardized procedures across the lab
- Assist in the development of universal standard procedures and expectations for consistent research across all projects, including best practice guidelines, internal controls, and technical standardization
- Assist in the design of research studies, including selection of data collection measures and follow-up time periods, and assist in selection of intervention to be delivered
- Maintain study quality control through regular data checks, protocol adherence reviews, and documentation audits
- Ensure compliance with IRB, DoD, and institutional standards
- Lead analysis and interpretation of study data for reports, manuscripts, and presentations
- Contribute to grant writing, including technical sections of proposals and progress reports
- Identify funding mechanisms and support preparation of funding applications, including writing components of the proposal package and aiding in scientific design
- Aid in strategic initiatives related to portfolio sustainability
- Maintain detailed study documentation and contribute to program evaluations
- Liaise with internal and external collaborators to ensure alignment of study objectives
- Assist in coordinating cross-institutional collaborations to expand the scientific and translational impact of ongoing programs
- Periodically conduct wet-lab experiments and lead data management and analysis
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