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Staff Scientist

Sanford Health · Marshfield, WI · $31.00–$49.50 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a grant application you helped write. What was your part, and what happened?

What they are checking: Whether they have real grant-writing experience and can be honest about their contribution and the outcome.

Tell me about a paper you took from raw data to publication. Where did it get stuck, and how did you move it?

What they are checking: Whether they can finish what they start, since this role exists to increase publications.

How do you handle a reviewer's critique that you think is wrong?

What they are checking: Whether they respond to criticism with evidence and patience instead of defensiveness, which grant and journal review requires.

What does it mean to you for research to be directly connected to patient care?

What they are checking: Whether they are motivated by clinical impact, which fits a research institute built into a health system.

What would you do

How do you work with busy oncologists who want to publish but have little time to write?

What they are checking: Whether they can drive projects forward for clinicians without waiting on them or taking over their voice.

This role supports research funding use and scholarly output, and it has to meet donor expectations. How would you show a donor their money made a difference?

What they are checking: Whether they can measure and explain research impact in terms people outside science care about.

You're juggling a grant deadline, a manuscript revision and a data request from the CCRC Director, all due the same week. How do you decide?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize by impact and communicate tradeoffs with leadership before deadlines are missed.

About the work

The Cancer Care and Research Center has over 150 active NCI-sponsored studies. How would you find research questions that use that trial network well?

What they are checking: Whether they can turn an existing clinical trial infrastructure into fundable, publishable research ideas.

Walk me through how you'd plan the data collection and analysis for a retrospective study using patient records.

What they are checking: Whether they understand study design, IRB requirements, data quality and the right statistical approach for clinical data.

What statistical methods do you use most for oncology outcomes data, and when would you bring in a biostatistician?

What they are checking: Whether they know survival analysis and related methods and know the limits of their own expertise.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Sanford Health.

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. 

 Work Shift: 8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)

 Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

 Compensation: Salary Range: $31.00 - $49.50



 Union Position: No

 Department Details Join a legacy of medical breakthroughs at the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, where you will drive impactful oncology discoveries directly connected to patient care. As a Staff Scientist, you will leverage our robust clinical trial network—featuring over 150 active NCI-sponsored studies—and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of world-class oncologists and clinicians. The Staff Scientist position will work closely with the Cancer Care and Research Center (CCRC) Director and other clinicians/researchers to develop grant applications and facilitate funded grant work including data collection, analysis, review and publications. CCRC has identified the need for a Project Scientist position to support key strategic goals related to research funding utilization and scholarly output. This position is necessary to meet donor expectations, support funded research activity, and expand dissemination of research findings in priority clinical areas. Donors have expressed interest in supporting research that closes the gap between research evidence and clinical application in health services, hematology, and oncology practice. Summary Staff Scientist performs independent scientific research including complex laboratory testing, experiments and analysis following established protocols. Designs and develops research objectives for experimentation. Analyzes and evaluates findings. Job Description Assists in completion of grant applications and other regulatory documents. Writes technical summaries and co-authors articles for publication. Prepares and makes formal presentations of research results. Typically works under broad direction of principal investigator. High level of knowledge in scientific research processes, procedures, and objectives. Possesses ability to implement experiments in the subject discipline with the ability to trouble shoot issues. Good knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject discipline required. Possesses ability to run complex pieces of equipment requiring advanced specialized training. Must possess knowledge of modern research methods, data collection and analysis. Significant experience in analyzing and evaluating data. General level of knowledge of project management, decision-making, and analytical skills. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with a research group or team. Required publications and funding upon appointment is minimal. Sanford Research is a multi-site institution and occasional local travel between sites may be required. Qualifications Requires a doctorate degree in a clinical, health, or life science field. Minimum of three years post-doctoral experience in related subject field of study. Equivalent to Instructor. Management experience is highly recommended. Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

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