Associate Research Scientist

Our Core Values 

Our core values define who we are as an organization and serve as the foundation of our code of ethics. Arbor Research expects all employees to embody and demonstrate in our day-to-day work. 

• Collaborative Spirit: We expect each staff member to learn from and teach one another and ask each to exhibit curiosity and respect for the contributions of others. 
• Creativity: We strive to cultivate a challenging, stimulating, and supportive environment where our employees are expected to be inquisitive, take the initiative, and demonstrate ingenuity. 
• Credibility: Our employees are smart, thoughtful, and objective in their work. We expect them to be technically solid in their area of expertise and for those researching to demonstrate scientific rigor. 
•  Dedication: Our team achieves success because of our dedication to carrying out high-quality work and delivering trusted results. 

Position Summary

The Associate Research Scientist specializes in implementation science, qualitative and mixed methods research, and applied health services research. This role requires experience in designing and leading research studies, analyzing qualitative data, applying implementation science frameworks, developing training and technical assistance, and translating findings into actionable recommendations for multi-institutional, federally-funded research consortia, including a global implementation science network.

A successful Associate Research Scientist typically advances to Research Scientist in one to three years. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Design and refine data collection instruments, such as semi-structured interview guides, and surveys; Conduct and facilitate virtual key informant interviews and group discussions with investigators, trainees, and implementation partners in diverse global settings. 
• Manage qualitative data in qualitative data analysis software, including transcript preparation, codebook development, and coding. 
• Build and apply codebooks using both deductive and inductive approaches, keeping codes consistent across data sources and cohorts. 
• Apply implementation science frameworks such as RE-AIM, CFIR, and PRISM to organize and interpret findings. 
• Design and implement training courses for adult learners on topics related to implementation science using adult learning principles. 
• Provide mentorship and/or guidance to other analytic staff. 
• Support large group academic meeting coordination, including drafting agendas, polling questions, and meeting summaries 
• Lead projects including those focused on providing expert technical assistance to clients or health care organizations, implementation of health policies or health care delivery models, monitoring, program evaluation, and learning collaboratives. 
• Provide operational oversight for projects, often including as a project director, deputy project director, or task lead. Work with a Project Manager to oversee the management of individual and team tasks and timelines. Build and maintain relationships with project sponsors, external partners, and internal managers and staff. 
• Participate in successful proposals for new research and evaluation projects that meaningfully support or extend Arbor Research’s portfolio.  
• Provide scientific and operational oversight for research projects. Work with a Project Manager to oversee the management of individual and team tasks and timelines. Make significant contributions to study protocol development and analytic approaches. 
• Develop and carry out methodological and/or applied research leading to peer-reviewed publications, reports to sponsoring agencies, and other dissemination strategies. Research agendas will be formulated to target both individual and organizational development goals and may be supported by funded project activity and dedicated organizational resources. 

Qualifications 

Required

• PhD in public health, health behavior, health services research, implementation science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, or other social science field or master's degree with relative experience (PhD strongly preferred) 
• Working knowledge of implementation science theories, models, and frameworks 
• Experience with qualitative analysis software (e.g., Dedoose, NVivo, ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA) 
• Demonstrated training and hands-on experience in qualitative methods (interviewing, coding, thematic or content analysis) 
• Experience developing training curricula, webinars, or technical assistance resources for professional audiences 
• Demonstrated potential to meaningfully contribute to research projects, as well as securing funding for new projects consistent with the Arbor Research mission  
• Strong oral and written communication skills 
• Must be able, willing, and available to travel, including international, with several nights away from home per year
• Must possess a valid and active United States Passport to travel internationally