Research Scientist

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Organization Summary 

The Center for Nutrition & Health Impact (CNHI) is a nonprofit research institute providing expertise in measurement and evaluation to help develop, enhance and expand programs focused on healthy eating and active living, improving food security and healthy food access, and promoting local food systems. With expertise in public health nutrition, CNHI is dedicated to building measurement strategies to assess the impact of innovative health-related programs. We work nationally and internationally, partnering with other nonprofits, academia, government and private foundations to conduct research, evaluation and scientific strategic planning. For more information about CNHI, please visit www.centerfornutrition.org. 

Job Summary 

The Research Scientist leads and/or provides oversight for all scientific aspects of research and evaluation projects including proposal development and research design, defining target population, identifying data needed, measurement tool development, data collection, data analysis, and deliverable development. The Research Scientist will also be involved in scientific and academic activities such as conceiving and developing manuscripts and conference presentations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and/or provide oversight for all scientific aspects of research and evaluation projects.
• Generate new projects by developing and submitting grant applications and RFP proposals.
• Initiate and maintain partner relationships, including relationships with funders and clients.
• Develop project workplans that include research designs, participants, data elements, measurement tools, and deliverables. 
• Review comprehensive project plans to ensure alignment with workplans.
• Oversee the development of measurement tools by participating in planning sessions, reviewing tools, and providing final sign-off.
• Ensure the integrity of sampling and data collection efforts.
• Support the collection of qualitative data by conducting key informant interviews or focus groups when needed.
• Support the analysis of data by conducting analyses and reviewing all qualitative and quantitative output for accuracy.
• Oversee the development of project deliverables by participating in planning sessions, creating outlines, and reviewing drafts.
• Provide guidance and feedback to work team members on project plans, measurement tools, data analysis, and deliverables. 
• Contribute to scientific knowledge by developing, submitting, and delivering conference presentations and publishing manuscripts.
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in nutrition-related fields. 
• Participate in Scientific Advisory Committee meetings, Scientist Retreats, and other appropriate meetings. 
• Serve in a supervisory role, as assigned.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in nutrition, public health or similar health-related field.
• Completion of a postdoctoral fellowship and at or above the comparable level of Assistant Professor; preferably focused on behavioral nutrition or public health.
• Skilled in program evaluation; experience evaluating nutrition-related programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills; experience collaborating and communicating with clients and funders.
• Proficient in quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis. 
• Strong leadership skills; experience leading projects or people. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; history of scientific presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
• Proficient in data collection and analysis tools such as SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, NVivo, SPSS, and SAS.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom). 

Work Requirements

• Maintain a productive, comfortable, and distraction free remote work environment.
• Comply with the CNHI work schedule.
• Follow care and security standards for CNHI-issued equipment.
• Supply your own Internet connection, allowing for seamless communication for video conferencing.

Physical Requirements 
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Listed below are the physical requirements required while performing the duties of this job.

• The employee is regularly required to: stand; sit; talk; hear; use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; and reach, stoop and/or kneel to install computer equipment for periods of time throughout the day.
• The employee must have the specific vision ability to complete close vision requirements due to computer work.
• The employee is required to be able to complete light to moderate lifting.

Salary Commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package provided.    

Job Structure This position has a 5-level structure based on years of experience. A Senior title is assigned to Levels 4-5.

Job Type This is a full-time, remote position.  

Travel This position may include travel for client visits, conference attendance, other promotional or networking activities, and the annual all-staff retreat. 

How to Apply To apply, please apply through the CNHI career page (https://www.centerfornutrition.org/careers), include a statement of interest and resume/CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please mention any foreign language skills in your materials. 

 The Center for Nutrition & Health Impact is an equal opportunity employer.