Senior Research Officer/Lead Research Scientist

Position Overview – What You’ll Do

The Senior Research Officer/Lead Research Scientist, reporting to the Director of Research and Impact and collaborating closely with the President and CEO, will be responsible for conceptualizing, executing, and leading the Foundation’s research agenda. This is a pivotal position in shaping the foundation’s scientific strategy, fostering collaboration, and upholding the utmost standards of scientific integrity and excellence.

Key responsibilities of this role encompass the utilization of mixed methods research to address crucial questions within public health systems and services (PHSS), often extending beyond the conventional scope of federal funding. The Senior Research Officer/Lead Research Scientist will demonstrate an interest in exploring existing datasets (e.g., US Census data) to uncover distinctive insights that contribute to actionable nation, state, and local health policies and strategies.

This position must have proficiency in survey methodologies, including instrument design, validation, weighting. It will also identify topics for public polling that address distinct gaps in public knowledge. The Senior Research Officer/Lead Research Scientist will primarily function as an independent contributor but will receive support from research associates on staff and have access to Foundation resources to support approved projects or assistance from external contractors. This position can seek external grant or philanthropic funding, when appropriate, to supplement available resources and investigative projects.

Responsibilities and Opportunities

Your day-to-day work will include activities such as:

• Research Leadership: Lead the execution of de Beaumont’s research agenda both independently and in collaboration with partners, with a specific focus on Public Health and Safety System (PHSS) research. This role involves producing reports and manuscripts for publication on de Beaumont’s website and in peer-reviewed journals. Responsibilities include designing research studies, selecting appropriate analytical methods, conducting comprehensive analyses to assess the effectiveness of the US governmental public health system, reviewing, and synthesizing existing research, composing briefs and reports, and creating data visualizations to facilitate the understanding of research findings. In essence, serve as the Foundation’s in-house research expert.
• Thought Leadership: Collaborate with the Director of Research and Impact as well as the President & CEO to establish thought leadership in the field of PHSS research. This involves contributing to communications, publications, and participation in conferences within professional, practitioner, and research communities. Past de Beaumont research projects, such as “Staffing Up,” “PH WINS,” and the 2020 revision of the “10 Essential Public Health Services,” serve as examples of de Beaumont’s work in this area.
• Data Analysis Expertise: Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative data analysis, encompassing both secondary and primary data, including both experimental and non-experimental research designs. This role necessitates the utilization of advanced inferential methods, and you will provide guidance to de Beaumont’s team and partners regarding appropriate analytical approaches. While prior experience with mixed methods, GIS data mapping, survey methods, and quantitative research is preferred, it is essential for success in this position.
• Strategic Communications: Effectively communicate research findings and devise innovative strategies for disseminating information to various audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. Collaborate with the de Beaumont communications team to aid in the development and distribution of research agenda findings in clear and concise formats. Previous dissemination methods have encompassed written reports, infographics, presentations, and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Project Management: Efficiently manage and support multiple workstreams simultaneously. This may involve taking on additional roles and participating in special projects as necessary to enhance the Foundation’s mission and impact.

Qualifications – Who You Are

To thrive in this role, you should excel in the following areas:

• Data-Driven Approach: You have a knack for discerning what works and what doesn’t, using metrics to enhance strategies, concentrate efforts, and adapt when necessary.
• Strategic Thinker & Hands-On Doer: Your skills encompass not just ideation but also practical implementation. You bring conceptual, analytical, and forward-thinking abilities to the table.
• Effective Relationship Management: You possess the finesse needed to manage relationships with members, staff, and partners. You handle confidential information with care and exercise discretion in sharing information.
• Collaborative Team Player: You work harmoniously with others towards shared objectives.
• Resourcefulness: You’re adept at finding pragmatic and efficient solutions, unafraid to seek information and explore alternatives when tackling new projects.
• Master Multitasker: Managing multiple projects and priorities concurrently is second nature to you, and you excel in identifying and leveraging connections among them.
• Ownership Mentality: You’re deeply committed to achieving results, effectively managing your own projects or contributing to larger ones. You work with a sense of urgency, foresee issues, and make course corrections as needed.
• Passion for Mission: You’re driven by a desire to make a positive impact, particularly in advocacy and cause-driven communications.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: You proactively identify challenges and opportunities, taking initiative and running with new ideas.

The ideal candidate will possess the attributes above and many of the following professional abilities and experiences:

• A PhD, DrPH, or equivalent in fields such as public health, public policy, economics, sociology, psychology, or related disciplines, preferred. A combination of equivalent education and practical experience is acceptable.
• A strong track record of publishing scientific papers in peer-reviewed research journals.
• Proficiency in quantitative analytical skills, encompassing research and statistical methods. Demonstrated expertise in data collection, management, analysis, and reporting.
• Proven experience in conducting social science surveys, with a preference for coursework in survey methodology, research design, and sampling.
• Proficiency in using statistical software packages like Stata (preferred), R, SAS, alongside familiarity with tools such as Qualtrics and Tableau.
• Extensive knowledge of public health services and systems research, with a specific focus on state and local governmental public health workforce.
• Strong project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to meet multiple deadlines while maintaining exceptional organizational skills. You’re skilled at transitioning swiftly between tasks, prioritizing requests, and managing timelines effectively.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the capacity to convey technical concepts to a non-technical audience.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time position located in downtown Bethesda, MD, just outside of Washington, DC. The de Beaumont Foundation follows a hybrid work model, where local employees have a combination of in-office and remote work days, with individual work schedules determined in consultation with direct supervisors. Some members of the Foundation’s team are completely remote, and, for the right candidate, a full-time remote work arrangement can be negotiated. All de Beaumont employees are expected to attend bi-annual all-staff meetings held at the Bethesda office.

The compensation offered for this role is competitive and is commensurate with the candidate’s experience. The salary range for this position is $145,000 to $155,000. In addition to competitive compensation, the Foundation provides outstanding benefits that include %100 paid employee health benefits, AD&D and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, generous paid time off, 14 weeks of paid parental leave, monthly tech stipend, and health & wellness program. The Foundation fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment and has been designated a “Great Place to Work” each time it has been assessed.

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please send your resume and cover letter as attachments to [email protected] by September 21, 2023. Please reference “Senior Research Officer” in the subject line. Early submission is encouraged as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please also include a list of your peer-reviewed publications as part of your application.