Research Associate

IHI•Boston, MA

2d•Remote

About The Position

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 ביותר 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. 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.

Requirements

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
Commitment to IHI Values of courage, love, equity, trust and impact
Commitment to equity, anti-racism, and the improvement of societal systems
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

Nice To Haves

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)

Responsibilities

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.)
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
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