Research Assistant, Public Health-Social Sciences

Advocate Health; Winston-Salem (NC); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health is seeking a qualified researcher to assist in planning, developing, and evaluating projects that advance data integrity and AI-assisted research tools. The role blends research management with hands-on data analytics and workflow design.

You will participate in literature reviews, manuscript drafting, and collaboration with statisticians and faculty to refine systems, with hybrid or remote-friendly options depending on project needs.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with at least four years of relevant research 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 classical and augmented techniques.
• Support development of a data-integrity scoring system for survey and behavioral data.
• Contribute to SOPs and workflows for reproducible science.

Skills

Scientific principles

Computer skills

Communication skills

Writing & collaboration

Data cleaning & validation

Data management

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree with 4+ years experience

Tools

R / Python or similar

Job description

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