Senior Research Associate, Health & Human Services Focus

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $105,000 $120,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience

The Senior Research Associate is a lead contributor and technical expert in quantitative research methods, working with high autonomy on complex projects in health and human services, particularly those supported by Medicare/Medicaid. This role designs and implements quantitative studies, develops rigorous data collection tools (e.g., surveys), conducts advanced analyses of large datasets (such as Medicaid claims data), and presents findings using sophisticated data visualizations.

This hybrid position combines in-office/field and remote work, requiring strong multitasking, adaptability, and collaboration with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders. Success in the role depends on effective communication, project management, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Key responsibilities include shaping research methodologies, advising clients, leading project execution, mentoring and supervising junior staff, and ensuring high-quality deliverables. Additional opportunities include contributing to publications, presenting at professional conferences, and fostering continuous learning.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage research teams, ensuring achievement of project goals while fostering a collaborative, high-performance environment.
• Oversee team performance, providing constructive feedback and ensuring timely project delivery with high-quality outcomes.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration with stakeholders, clients, and senior leadership team to achieve project success.
• Supervise Research Associates and mentor junior research staff, supporting their professional development and promoting continuous improvement.

External Engagement & Business Development

• Serve as the primary client liaison, provide expert consultation, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure client satisfaction.

• Maintain client relationships and provide technical guidance.
• Support business development efforts, including proposal writing and contributing to publications or presentations.
• Create external-facing deliverables (reports, articles, presentations, briefs) and incorporate advanced data visualizations.

Research Design, Implementation & Analysis with a focus on Quantitative Studies

• Lead end-to-end project execution for quantitative projects, including overall design, development of sampling frames, survey instrument development, data collection, quality assurance measures, and dissemination of findings, along with client communication.
• Develop and implement quantitative data collection plans to achieve specified targets, levels of confidence and margins of error.
• Manage, clean, and analyze large datasets such as Medicare/Medicaid claims data using tools like Excel, Access, or SPSS.
• Conduct data modeling and advanced statistical methods such as creating and applying sample weights, propensity score matching, and multi-level modeling.
• Interpret findings to inform actionable recommendations.
• Generate standard and custom reports to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Contribute to the standardization and continuous improvement of research processes to enhance efficiency, consistency, and quality across projects.
• Provide quality assurance across all aspects of project implementation, ensuring accuracy, adherence to protocols, and alignment with client expectations.
• Identify and resolve complex implementation challenges, including those related to timelines, data collection, and stakeholder coordination.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in health, social science, or related field with 10+ years of postgraduate experience leading complex quantitative projects (Ph.D. preferred). Equivalent experience may substitute, with priority given to candidates experienced in Medicaid/Medicare claims data or state-funded services.
• Strong quantitative research and statistical analysis expertise, including univariate/multivariate methods, survey design, sampling, and data visualization; psychometrics a plus.
• Proficiency in using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, Stata, R) with SPSS strongly preferred with ability to write syntax.
• Demonstrated experience in health and human services research/evaluation, particularly Medicare/Medicaid.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office 365 and online survey tools.
• Proven leadership in managing projects, supervising teams, and mentoring staff.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Flexible, collaborative, and proactive, with the ability to work independently or within teams while establishing research best practices.
• Proven experience in writing proposals and developing business development materials.

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful work with a focus on improving lives through evidence-based research
• Flexible, hybrid work environment with up to 20% travel
• Collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture
• Opportunities for professional growth, publishing, and conference participation
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, flexible vacation and work hours, 401(k) after one year, EAP, and annual professional development stipend

Apply Today

We dont just measure impact, we elevate community voices, inform policy, and embed equity in all we do. If you're passionate about research that drives real-world change, we want to hear from you. To apply,submit the following materials byOctober 19, 2025:

• Resume/CV
• Brief cover letteroutlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.
• Writing samplethat meets one of the following criteria:
  • A report related to a large-scale survey project or written for clients.
  • A peer-reviewed article (must beprimary authorif selected).

Vital Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.