Research Associate

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is a leading, globally recognized not-for-profit health care improvement organization that has been applying evidence-based quality improvement methods to meet current and future health care challenges for more than 30 years. IHI provides millions of people in health care with methods, tools, and resources to make care better, safer, and more equitable; convenes experts to enable knowledge sharing and peer‑learning; and advises health systems and hospitals of all sizes in improving their systems and outcomes at scale. IHI's mission is to innovate and lead transformational improvement in health and health care worldwide. Position Summary Reporting into an IS Hub Director or Advisor, the Research Associate supports IHI's innovation, content development, design, and methods along with measurement, evaluation, learning and dissemination (MEL-D) initiatives as part of the Improvement Science (IS) Hub. This role contributes to research, project planning and execution, with a strong emphasis on equity and quality improvement. Position Responsibilities Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Research and Learning Integrity Conduct research and environmental scans across health and other sectors to identify and assess evidence-based interventions Synthesize findings into conceptual models or frameworks, implementation strategies (e.g. workflows), and/or content or products (e.g. change packages, tools, programs, designs, etc.) and/or measurement strategies for application in health and health care Propose strategies to integrate learning/findings into practical, accessible products for diverse audiences, including health system leaders, frontline teams, policymakers and funders Contribute to quantitative and qualitative research designs, data collection, analyses, and synthesize and present findings for both technical and non-technical audiences Assist with expert interviews and focus groups Support data cleaning, management, analysis, visualization, and interpretation using appropriate analytic tools Contribute to or co-author reports, white papers, manuscripts, abstracts, briefs, and presentations for peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and global learning Fora Contribute to internal presentations for executive leadership, delivery teams, and/or all IHI staff Develop expertise in subject‑matter areas to advance IHI’s work (e.g. maternal health, patient safety, etc.) Project and Program Support Contribute to IS Hub projects (e.g. learning cycles, prototyping, content development, product development, standard designs and methods or MEL-D) Contribute the IS Hub Learning and Measurement System (e.g. dashboards, project trackers, reporting on measures of focus, etc) Support delivery project, network, and/or education teams throughout the project life cycle Support external evaluation initiatives aligned with Improvement Science methodologies. Provide project management support, including developing and maintaining project files, workplans, general knowledge management and supporting team coordination Complete assigned project deliverables (these will vary by project) Help develop and refine standard work for the IS Hub Act as a thought partner in shaping strategies and developing new offerings Data and Communication Collect, analyze, and present qualitative and quantitative data for technical and non-technical audiences Present work at internal and external conferences Reflect on and improve internal systems to promote equity and anti-racism Position Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Familiarity with and ability to apply improvement science and implementation science in daily work and to continually improve the work and impact of the IS Hub Strong research and development skills, including the ability to gather and synthesize large amounts of information from various sources, identify limitations, and draw conclusions Familiarity with measurement and evaluation approaches for quality improvement Strong quantitative and qualitative data collection, interpretation, analysis, and visualization skills Familiarity with the development and application of conceptual and theoretical models Ability to apply and teach innovation methods, including scoping and supporting innovation, prototyping, testing, learning or related cycles Basic capability to connect research insights to strategic priorities and contribute to program development Proficiency with digital tools for research, collaboration, and project management (e.g., Microsoft 365, data visualization platforms, shared drives) Ability to work independently and as a team member Strong interest in health, health care and improvement, and familiarity with U.S. and global health care policy and reform Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present to large groups, co-author publications, and tailor messaging for diverse audiences Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects; Ability to successfully meet deadlines consistently Ability to collaborate with others at a variety of organizational levels including giving and receiving constructive feedback to team members Ability to successfully tackle complex, adaptive challenges by learning/sensing, synthesizing and adapting plans, approaches and/or methods as needed to achieve the aims of the IS Hub and specific IS Hub projects. This includes the ability to recognize and successfully navigate ambiguity in projects (e.g., clarifying questions, project scope) to successful resolution IHI Values and Culture Commitment to IHI Values of courage, love, equity, trust and impact Commitment to equity, anti‑racism, and the improvement of societal systems Position Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in related field 3‑5 years of relevant experience in applied research, program evaluation, or health systems improvement, including experience supporting project teams or contributing to research deliverables Specific experience in: Collecting and summarizing qualitative and/or quantitative data Preparing and delivering materials for internal audiences Preferred Advanced degree in health care, public policy or related field Demonstrates a solid foundation in scientific thinking, including hypothesis‑driven analysis and data‑informed iteration Demonstrates a solid foundation in improvement science, including use of tests of change and using data for improvement Exposure to both high‑income and low/middle income health care or community setting Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, NVivo, Stata, or SAS) Proficiency in a second language (e.g., Spanish, Portuguese, or French) Physical Attributes Ability to Sit for Extended Periods: Capability to work at a desk for long durations Manual Dexterity: Proficiency in using a computer, including typing, mouse handling, and other office equipment Visual Acuity: Ability to read and view a computer screen for extended periods Hearing and Speaking: Clear communication over phone and video calls Environment Setup: Access to a quiet, professional home office setup conducive to focused work and virtual meetings Lifting: Occasionally requires lifting up to 25 lbs as needed Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list or comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required. IHI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex or gender, marital status, national origin or ancestry, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, crime victim status, political belief, and any other protected class under applicable law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to complete this application, please let us know. Veterans are encouraged to apply. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Institute for Healthcare Improvement Ihi