Staff Scientist - Behavior Change & Pragmatic Sciences

About the WHSP Institute The WHSP Institute is dedicated to advancing female athlete health and performance and hosts state‑of‑the‑art research facilities. Position Summary Staff Scientist – Behavior Change & Pragmatic Sciences (SS‑BC&PS) will lead and support a rigorous, theory‑informed research program focused on behavior change and knowledge translation in female health and performance across the lifespan. This mid‑career scientist will design, implement, and evaluate interventions targeting domains such as menstrual health, relative energy deficiency, mental health, pregnancy/post‑partum performance, peri‑/post‑menopause, and long‑term athlete health. Advanced qualitative research methodologies Mixed‑methods and implementation science designs Translation of findings into scalable interventions, education, and policy Quantitative research methodologies and statistical approaches considered an asset Qualifications Required: Advanced degree in Behavioral Science, Health Psychology, Implementation Science, Public Health, Kinesiology, Sport Science, and/or a related discipline (e.g., MPH, PhD, MD) with a minimum of 5 years of independent research experience. Demonstrated expertise in at least three of the following seven core areas: female athlete research, psychology, advanced qualitative methods, social/behavior change sciences, knowledge translation sciences, mental health/mental performance, and/or human clinical research. Experience leading field or lab‑based research projects and/or industry‑academic studies against timelines with high scientific rigor. Track record of study design, IRB/regulatory processes, and scientific writing (manuscripts and abstracts). Competence in data analysis and interpretation, with strong statistical skills. Excellent scientific communication skills, with the ability to present and write for both peer‑reviewed/academic audiences and practitioner audiences. Experience leading or collaborating on grant proposals. Preferred: Expertise in applied quantitative testing constructs. Familiarity with one or more of the following: community health/wellness, biostatistics, epidemiology. Advanced working knowledge of statistical software. Experience in stewarding philanthropy‑supported research. Primary Report to: Dr. Trent Stellingwerff, Director of R&D Secondary/Indirectly Reporting to: Dr. Kathryn Ackerman, Executive Director; WHSP Institute Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) Staff Reporting: The SS‑BC&PS will eventually directly lead/co‑lead 1–2 research assistants/​managers and several students, and will hold leadership roles on several internal and external research projects. Key Responsibilities As the WHSP Institute is new, key responsibilities for this role focus on establishing R&D operations during the first 12 months, with increasing leadership and oversight thereafter. Training and mentorship: Provide hands‑on leadership, mentorship, and direct oversight to research staff on research methods, statistics, and scientific writing; model best practices for open and reproducible science. Study design and execution: Lead internally and collaborate externally on research protocol development, IRB submissions (in collaboration with site PIs), SOPs, case‑report forms, and staff training for study designs that include qualitative and mixed‑methods approaches. Methods and data standards: Lead rigorous qualitative inquiry to identify behavioral determinants, contextual barriers, and system‑level influences through semi‑structured interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, content and thematic analysis, and related methods; leverage expertise in quantitative and statistical methods. Analysis and interpretation: Lead and/or oversee analytic plans, perform and/or supervise statistical analyses, and synthesize findings with the Director and appropriate personnel as specific to each research project; ensure conclusions are supported by data and limitations are transparent. Publications and dissemination: Drive manuscripts, conference abstracts, white papers, and invited talks; ensure consistent Institute acknowledgment and branding across outputs. Continuing education: Maintain awareness of the latest science developments through attending and presenting at national and international conferences, and through self‑directed study (there are no teaching commitments with this position). Governance and collaboration: Convene regular reviews with the Director and Strategic R&D Managers; track milestones, risks, and decisions, and document them for transparency and continuity. Build collaborative partnerships locally, nationally, and internationally, and within the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance. Compliance and ethics: Maintain IRB approval records, data privacy, and participant safety; oversee data‑sharing agreements and material/data transfer processes. Communication/Outreach: When requested, write and/or edit athlete‑/coach‑/stakeholder‑facing educational materials for the WHSP Institute website and other platforms; participate in/lead community/athlete education sessions at WHSP Institute and other locations as needed. Other duties/responsibilities may be assigned as the Director of R&D sees fit. End of Year 2 Success Indicators At least 2 IRB‑approved studies launched (internal or external collaborative studies). At least 5 peer‑reviewed publications over the first 2 years (including reviews and prior work). Co‑lead/lead hiring of 1–2 research assistants/​managers and several students. Co‑develop psychology/behavior‑change‑based research methods and standardized operating procedures. At least one submission to an external targeted research grant. Role Logistics Location: Boston, MA (on‑site position). Schedule: Full‑time, exempt. Travel: Occasional domestic and international travel for study oversight, conferences, and Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance events; may oversee or attend major external research projects over a few‑week periods. How to Apply Before May 15, 2026, submit the following to View email address on click.appcast.io with subject line “WHSP SS‑BC&PS”: Academic‑style CV Brief cover letter (≤2 pages) describing fit for the role and earliest available start date 2–3 key publications Contact information for 3 references For additional opportunities, visit . Equal Opportunity WHSP Institute is an equal opportunity employer. WHSP Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or military service. National and international applicants welcome. #J-18808-Ljbffr Women's Health, Sports & Performance Institute (WHSP)