Lead Research Associate - Protocol Specialist - Hybrid

Job Description

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence‑based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

Westat has a new opening for a Lead Research Associate – Protocol Specialist to support a dynamic portfolio of clinical research projects. In this role, you will coordinate the end‑to‑end protocol development process with clients and multidisciplinary stakeholders, manage meetings and document workflows, and ensure strong version control across key study materials. As protocols move toward activation, you will also support training and site management activities throughout the study lifecycle.

This is a hybrid role, requiring three days per week on site in Westat’s Bethesda, Maryland office.

• Apply knowledge of clinical intervention protocols and underlying clinical trials and epidemiological methods
• Translate scientific discussions, materials, and metrics into clear notes, reports, and presentations
• Work with internal and external teams to support the development and implementation of clinical protocols
• Coordinate and contribute to the development of study concepts, protocols, informed consent forms, and MOPs
• Develop and maintain study timelines for study concept development, protocol documents, participant‑facing materials, implementation tools, and case report forms
• Coordinate and manage regulatory submissions in conjunction with the Regulatory Affairs Manager
• Assist with development of protocol‑specific management plans, as needed
• Ensure proper storage and maintenance of required essential documents

• MA/MS/MPH in epidemiology, public health, or related scientific research degree with 2–4 years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in epidemiology, public health, or related scientific research degree with 8 or more years of relevant experience

• Experience with clinical research, specifically protocol development and implementation
• Experience with Institutional Review Boards and coordinating regulatory submission across multiple sites
• Knowledge of MS Office products, Box, and Red Cap Cloud
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client‑facing meetings and site management and support
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team environment
• Proven ability to work independently

Westat offers a well‑rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

This is a U.S.

-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Westat does not offer employment‑based visa sponsorship (including H‑1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $82,000–$109,000 and will be commensurate with experience.

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