Social Science Research Professional 2 (1-Year Fixed-Term, Hybrid Opportunity)

The Evaluation Sciences Unit in the Division of Primary Care and Population Health at Stanford University is seeking a research professional with qualitative research skills to join our collaborative and dynamic team for a one year fixed-term position. We seek a professional with independent skills in executing qualitative and mixed-methods research studies, and a strong track record of project management and on-time, on-budget project execution. The role requires an understanding and experience in qualitative methods, a high degree of organization, continuous exercise of independent initiative and judgment, strong ethic of collaboration, and exceptional, client-focused interpersonal skills. This position will play an important role in designing, conducting, and analyzing mixed methods evaluations of innovative healthcare delivery models both inside and outside Stanford University.

Under the direction of the qualitative project lead, this role will assist in the evaluation of health care delivery models and innovations. Evaluations will involve interviews with patients and providers at health centers across the US. The role will be responsible for overall project management; collecting, managing and analyzing qualitative data; and assist in report writing. This position will involve conducting interviews with seriously ill patients and/or their family caregivers; applicants should be aware of the sensitivity involved in this work.

This is an ideal position for a qualitative researcher with a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as health services research, sociology, psychology, public health or anthropology who has a passion for improving health care systems in the United States.

Although currently a fixed-term position, there is possibility of extension pending availability of funding.

Duties include:
• Develop and implement qualitative data collection and analysis plans with minimal oversight.
• Conduct interviews, observations, and focus groups to support mixed methods research in alignment with the research plan.
• Analyze data using mixed methods in alignment with the goals and scientific frameworks identified for the study.
• Troubleshoot issues that arise in studies/projects that may affect priorities.
• Solve problems and make decisions which affect the direction of the research and result in independent contributions to the overall project.
• Assist in developing analyses including identifying frameworks or logic models to help define the work.
• Draft partial or entire abstracts, posters, and manuscripts.
• Help identify topics for manuscripts and opportunities to present at appropriate conferences.
• Complete project-related administrative and budgetary responsibilities of a limited scope as needed.
• Supervise staff or students as needed, including oversight and instruction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work.

*- The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent skills with Office, in particular Word, and PowerPoint
• Preferred: Master’s degree with 2 years’ experience in relevant research environment

Strongly Desirable:
• Experience working with people from different cultures and income levels
• Fluency in one or more languages other than English (e.g., Spanish)

This is a 1-year fixed-term, hybrid opportunity.

Core Duties:

• Assist in designing experiments, exercising independent initiative and judgment gained from completing a variety of high level assignments, including activities such as defining variables, formulating hypotheses, and selecting subjects, sources of information, or planning and coordinating experimental protocols.

• Adapt or work out the details of new, nonstandard procedures, with the supervisor providing general guidance and suggestions.

• Interpret, synthesize, and analyze data using scientific or statistical techniques.

• Solve problems, and make decisions that affect the direction of the research and result in independent contributions to the overall project.

• Select and apply standard calculations and formulas independently to compile data or process documents; often serve as a resource for research methods and numerical analyses.

• Co-author sections of research publications and regulatory reports as needed.

• Complete project-related administrative and budgetary responsibilities of a limited scope as needed.

• Supervise staff or students as needed, including oversight and instruction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field and two years applicable experience, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific theory and methods.

• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.

• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.

• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.

• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.

• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work with human study participants.

• Developing supervisory skills.