Us:  The professional home and leading national organization for health services researchers, policymakers, and health care practitioners and stakeholders. AcademyHealth – together with its members and partners – increases the understanding of methods and data used in the field, enhances the professional skills of a vibrant and diverse community of researchers and research users, supports the implementation of evidence to improve policy and practice, and advocates for the use of evidence to improve health and health care for all. Our established priorities are: Science Innovation; Health Systems Improvement, Resilience and Capacity: and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  Diversity is a core value at AcademyHealth. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all and transforming our field to achieve higher impact, more equitable research. 

You: An early-to-mid-career professional who is collaborative, self-motivated, curious, highly organized, flexible, a strong writer and communicator, eager to take on new challenges, and enjoys managing external stakeholder relationships and day-to-day project activities.

We believe that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. As such, you do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position – applications are welcomed from a broad range of applicants. 

How you’ll contribute:

The Senior Research Associate will provide substantive content, analytic, and administrative project management support to develop, sustain, and promote learning collaboratives that generate and use evidence-based research and promote equity in health policy and practice. Specifically, this role will support two projects with federal agencies and will support a variety of ongoing diversity and inclusion activities and initiatives. This individual will provide day-to-day management of community engagement activities, research and analysis, agenda development for meetings and other convenings, and other tasks essential to the success of learning collaboratives.

  • Conduct and summarize research related to learning health systems; policies and organizations relevant for the health services research (HSR) community; diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the HSR workforce; social determinants of health; health equity; community health; and other related topics. 
  • Contribute to research, analysis, synthesis, and products such as environmental scans, literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, surveys, and data visualizations.
  • Provide research, technical assistance, and other support to “design thinking” or similar innovation processes, stakeholder communities, and learning networks.
  • Lead project management efforts including tracking and managing work plan activities, timelines, and deliverables. 
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with diverse and representative partners and stakeholders. 
  • Develop, organize, and format program deliverables for submission.
  • Support agenda design and discussion synthesis for activities such as conference calls, webinars, and in-person meetings.
  • Assist in the development of new programs and projects including drafting proposals and help to cultivate relationships with potential funders and subcontractors.
  • Conduct agenda development, presenter coordination, and materials preparation for small and large meetings, briefings, conference calls, and webinars.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with community engagement and relationship management strategies and experience managing and communicating with diverse communities of researchers and practitioners in academic settings and health systems.
  • 3 - 5 years of substantive professional experience in health policy and/or health services research, public health, and/or community health. 
  • Master’s degree in health policy, public health; data science; organizational management and transformation, health services research (HSR); or a related field from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  • Experience working with racially and ethnically diverse groups and familiarity with principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation.
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills and ability to review, summarize, and synthesize research findings.
  • Demonstrated project management experience, including demonstrated ability to efficiently plan, organize and manage complex, multiple projects simultaneously with limited supervision or direction.
  • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain a system of tracking, monitoring and prioritizing tasks and projects. 
  • Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to inclusive, team-oriented working and/or learning environments.
  • Strong written and oral communications skills.
  • Strong analytic and critical thinking skills.
  • Self-starter with a “can-do” attitude and willingness to pitch in as needed to do what it takes to provide high-quality products and services.
  • Mature, detail-oriented individual able to work both independently and in teams. 
  • Demonstrated experience using the Word suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

A plus if you have:

  • Familiarity with developing and using online communications platforms such as SharePoint and Connect; experience with data visualization. 
  • An interest in or commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in areas such as public health; data science or health policy; familiarity with health inequities; health care; health systems and policy research (HSR). 
  • Previous team leadership or people-management experience
  • Familiarity with the research ecosystem in the United States and related federal policies could be helpful, but not required.

The salary range is $75,000- $80,000 and is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

What you should know about AcademyHealth:

  • We are a hybrid work environment with options for remote and in-office work.
  • Applicants outside of the metropolitan DC area are encouraged to apply.
  • Hiring process is conducted virtually, with interviews via phone or video; selected candidates will receive required instructions for interviews.
  • A limited amount of travel to meetings is expected.