Researcher, Medical Evidence Project
Posted Feb. 20, 2026
Do you read the “Methods” section of a paper first?
Do you see the statistical and methodological flaws in a clinical paper that others miss?
The Medical Evidence Project, operating under a grant to the Center for Scientific Integrity, is seeking an experienced researcher and data sleuth to join our small team as a researcher in forensic metascience. This position is ideal for a candidate whose study or experience crosses between clinical research, epidemiology, public health, and statistics. We are looking for someone who thrives on solving complex problems at the intersection of clinical reality, statistical integrity, and research ethics.
This role goes beyond simple error checking; it involves collaborative forensic investigation into influential medical research to determine validity. The successful candidate will not just analyze data but will understand the context and implications of that data within the clinical landscape. You will collaborate closely with our internal team to deconstruct suspect research, verify claims about clinical trial results, and translate complex forensic findings into clear reports. The job will combine “hands-on” investigative work (analyzing both study data and raw data, checking trial registrations, and modeling biological plausibility) with a high-level strategic view of the medical evidence ecosystem.
Success in this role depends on the ability to marry statistical rigor with clinical intuition, distinguishing between honest error, methodological weakness, and potential misconduct. If you have deep curiosity, healthy skepticism, and a strong commitment to scientific integrity, this might be your role.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Spearhead complex investigations into high-profile or suspicious medical research papers, assessing them for internal consistency, statistical anomalies, and unlikely baseline data;
- assess the clinical significance of reported findings, e.g., determine if patient recruitment rates, adverse event profiles, and treatment effects are biologically and operationally plausible given the disease state and healthcare setting – we go ‘beyond p-values’;
- establish best practices for data extraction and verification and create new methodologies for detecting inconsistencies in clinical trials;
- assess the real-world public health impact of flawed research, understand how a specific paper influences clinical guidelines and patient care, and prioritize investigations on that basis;
- translate abstract statistical and methodological problems into clear narratives for non-specialist stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Masters in relevant field (epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, or a related clinical field) is required, with Ph.D. preferred.
Experience
Required:
- At least 5 years of post-baccalaureate professional experience in clinical research, epidemiology, public health, or statistics.
- Demonstrated experience in “meta-research” or critical appraisal — specifically, a history of finding and reporting errors or inconsistencies in the scientific literature.
- Strong familiarity with meta-analysis methods.
Preferred:
- Designing or working on clinical trials.
Skills
- Strong command of biostatistics.
- Professional experience with R and Python.
- Excellent writing skills.
Compensation / Timeframe
The salary for this full-time position is $65,000-$80,000 per year for two years from start. Please see the Job Opportunities page for information on working for The Center for Scientific Integrity, including benefits. This is a remote position.
Application