Research Assistant, Public Health-Social Sciences

Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital; Ardmore (NC); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University Health Sciences seeks a research specialist to assist with planning, development, and evaluation of the assigned project(s) within Academic Public Health Sciences: Social Sciences. This role combines research management with advanced academic research skills and is contingent upon extramural funding.

You will gain hands‑on experience with data validation, AI‑enhanced workflows, and the design of novel research‑support services, while contributing to data quality and

Qualifications

• Master's degree with at least four years of relevant research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of scientific principles.
• Strong computer skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong foundation in classical statistical methods and quantitative analysis
• Experience with data cleaning, data validation, and data management
• Demonstrated problem‑solving ability and curiosity
• Strong writing, communication, and collaboration skills

Responsibilities

• Run statistical models for data validation, quality checks, and anomaly detection.
• Identify inconsistent, flawed data using both classical and augmented techniques.
• Support the development of a data‑integrity scoring system for survey and behavioral data.
• Contribute to best‑practice standards, SOPs, and workflows for reproducible science.
• Help design automated workflows that reduce researcher burden (e.g., data processing, QC pipelines, templated processes).
• Test and refine generative‑AI–informed tools for research support.
• Build draft templates, protocols, and playbooks for early‑career investigators.
• Collaborate with statisticians, programmers, and faculty to refine and test systems.
• Conduct literature scans and prepare summaries.
• Assist with drafting manuscripts, reports, and presentations.

Skills

Data cleaning

Data validation

Data management

Strong communication skills

Strong writing skills

Curiosity

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

4+ years of relevant research experience

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Department:

85043 Wake Forest University Health Sciences - Academic Public Health Sciences: Social Sciences

Status:

Full time

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Hours Per Week:

40

Schedule Details/Additional Information:

M-F 8-5p, full-time

Pay Range:

$30.70 - $46.05

JOB SUMMARY

Assist with the planning, development, implementation, evaluation, writing and dissemination of the assigned project(s). This position combines research management and academic research skills. This classification requires the use of judgment and discretion in performing the assigned duties and responsibilities related to the project. Position is contingent upon extramural funding.

Impactful Work

Your contributions will directly shape tools that protect scientific rigor and prevent compromised data from influencing research outcomes. You will help researchers work faster, smarter, and with greater confidence in their results.

Creative Problem-Solving

You’ll help create original workflows, AI-enhanced tools, and integrity checks that don’t currently exist. Much of this work involves idea generation, prototyping, testing, and refining.

Professional Growth

You’ll gain hands‑on experience with:

• data validation and integrity methods
• automated workflows and reproducibility practices
• large-language-model (LLM)–assisted research tools
• applied statistics and data quality scoring
• the design and delivery of new research‑support services

These skills are exceptionally marketable in research, tech, and industry.

Flexibility

A hybrid or remote‑friendly arrangement may be possible depending on the candidate and project needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Data Quality & Integrity

• Run statistical models for data validation, quality checks, and anomaly detection
• Identify inconsistent, flawed data using both classical and augmented techniques
• Support the development of a data‑integrity scoring system for survey and behavioral data
• Contribute to best‑practice standards, SOPs, and workflows for reproducible science

Augmented Intelligence Workflow & Tool Development

• Help design automated workflows that reduce researcher burden (e.g., data processing, QC pipelines, templated processes)
• Test and refine generative‑AI–informed tools for research support
• Build draft templates, protocols, and playbooks for early‑career investigators

Research Support & Collaboration

• Conduct literature scans and prepare summaries
• Assist with drafting manuscripts, reports, and presentations
• Collaborate with statisticians, programmers, and faculty to refine and test systems

Service Development & Innovation

• Contribute ideas for new research‑support products
• Help prototype and test new service offerings for faculty (e.g., protocols, automated onboarding workflows, integrated startup kits)
• Engage creatively in forecasting what researchers will need 2–3 years from now

Characteristic Work

Work with the PI and senior staff to coordinate the successful and timely completion of tasks that comprise the implementation, data collection and analysis phases of the project to include, but not be limited to planning, development, implementation, evaluation, writing, and dissemination of study findings. Work with project PI or senior personnel to ensure that all aspects of the study are conducted in accordance with the study protocol and grant/contract. Ensure that all study activities comply with state and federal regulations and guidelines, as well as all requirements of the Medical School and University. Train and instruct study personnel about research procedures and protocols. Also, troubleshoot specialized equipment and apparatus as required for the performance of research activities. Participate in site visits when appropriate (e.g., for multi‑site studies). Participate in the preparation of progress reports and monitoring quality control. Assist in preparation of posters for study/project(s), and in preparation of posters for national and local scientific meetings. Attend and participate in meetings related to the planning, operation, and evaluation of the study/project, as needed. Perform literature reviews and write summaries. Contribute to the writing of scientific papers for publication from study results. Participate in the writing of new/additional grant proposals. Assist with the budget preparation for new grants and/or projects. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree with at least four years of relevant research experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of scientific principles.
• Strong computer skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong foundation in classical statistical methods and quantitative analysis
• Experience with data cleaning, data validation, and data management
• Demonstrated problem‑solving ability and curiosity
• Strong writing, communication, and collaboration skills

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Supervisory ability.
• Experience beyond the minimum.
• Teaching experience.
• Public speaking experience.
• Prior participation in the preparation of grant proposals.
• Peer reviewed publications and/or oral or poster presentations at national meetings.
• Interest or familiarity with AI tools, LLMs, or workflow automation
• Experience with R, Python, or similar statistical programming tools
• Experience contributing to research manuscripts
• Ability to work in fast‑paced, evolving, “startup” environments
• Creative mindset and comfort generating new ideas

Additional Details

• Full‑time, 1‑year position with possibility of renewal
• Remote or hybrid options may be considered
• Some tasks may require occasional travel or after‑hours work depending on project timelines

Our CommitmenttoYou:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well‑being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training

• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job

• Incentive pay for select positions

• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

• Paid Time Off programs

• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, andShort- and Long‑Term Disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses

• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave

• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs

• Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full‑time, part‑time, per diem, temporary, etc.; please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview).

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third‑largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value‑based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.