Principal Scientist | RWE & Surveillance

Altria; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Holidays

Floating holidays

Hybrid work schedule

401(k) matching

Professional development stipend

Parental leave

Volunteer days

Job summary

Altria is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead post-market surveillance and RWE research on smoke-free nicotine products from a Fortune 500 company. Based in Richmond, VA with hybrid work; relocation assistance available.

You will shape surveillance strategy, deliver PMSS studies, and translate findings for FDA submissions and external engagements. The role demands a PhD with 8+ years in epidemiology, behavioral science, or RWE, strong statistical skills (SAS, R, SPSS or Stata) and the ability

Qualifications

• PhD in epidemiology or related field required.
• 8+ years in behavioral science, public health or RWE.
• Experience designing epidemiological and RWE studies.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute the overall post-market surveillance strategy for authorized products, integrating multiple evidence streams.
• Design, execute, and oversee Post-Market Surveillance Studies (PMSS) including protocols and analysis plans.
• Prepare and manage periodic post-market reports to FDA, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
• Improve post-market surveillance processes, SOPs and data governance.
• Monitor and synthesize epidemiological and RWE literature to inform study design.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Epidemiology

Tools

SAS

R

SPSS

Stata

Job description

Lead post-market surveillance, epidemiological and real-world evidence (RWE) research on the individual and population health impact of smoke-free nicotine products for a Fortune 500 company with some of the most iconic brands! Have a PhD with eight years of relevant experience in behavioral science, public health, population health, RWE, epidemiology, and/or analysis of large databases? If so, we want to speak with you!

We are actively recruiting for a Principal Scientist | RWE & Surveillance to join our Behavior & Health Sciences group. The position is based in Richmond, VA with a hybrid work schedule, although remote work arrangements can be considered. Relocation assistance is available for candidates who relocate to Richmond.

The successful candidate will help shape and deliver ongoing monitoring of the tobacco and nicotine marketplace and post-market surveillance of marketed smoke-free products, assessing their individual and population health impact to meet FDA post-market obligations, generate rigorous epidemiological and RWE insights, and translate findings into scientific content for regulatory submissions and external engagement.

What you will be doing:

• Shape and execute the overall post-market surveillance strategy for authorized products (e.g., PMTA and MRTP marketing orders), integrating multiple evidence streams
• Design, execute, and oversee Post-Market Surveillance Studies (PMSS) required under marketing orders, including protocols, statistical analysis plans and study reports
• Prepare and manage periodic post-market reports to FDA, integrating PMSS results and other surveillance data, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery
• Anticipate evolving FDA post-market expectations and continuously improve post-market surveillance processes, SOPs and data governance
• Monitor, critically evaluate and synthesize epidemiological and RWE literature to inform study design and evidence strategy
• Translate research findings into FDA responses, regulatory‑submission content, conference presentations, and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Collaborate with regulatory affairs, product stewardship, behavioral research, biostatistics, and internal and external researchers while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

We want you to have:

• PhD in epidemiology or a related field such as behavioral science, public health or data science
• 8+ years of relevant experience in behavioral science, public health, population health, RWE, epidemiology, and/or analysis of large databases
• Demonstrated experience and ability to design and conduct epidemiological and RWE studies
• Experience in post‑market surveillance, pharmacovigilance, or /surveillance studies
• Strong analytical and statistical skills (SAS, R, SPSS or Stata) and accuracy with large volumes of data
• Ability to solve complex problems using advanced quantitative methods
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively share findings with others
• Ability to work independently and collaborate as a member of cross‑functional teams

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $119,600.00 - $173,450.00.

Why You’ll Love Building Your Career at Altria

At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported — both at work and in life. Here’s what you’ll find here:

• Own your time — start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully.
• A place where you belong — where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real.
• Get recognized for your work — annual merit increases and performance bonus.
• A future you can count on — 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%–17% of your base salary.
• Help with your goals — get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends.
• Support for what matters most — comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Celebrating your milestones — paid parental and bonding leave for life’s biggest moments.
• Wellness that goes beyond work — programs that care for your whole well‑being at whatever stage you are in your life.
• A culture that gives back — paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference.

At Altria, we offer more than benefits — we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.