Research Associate

Research Associate

Job Category: Innovation and Design

Requisition Number: RESEA001019

ing Details

ed: July 14, 2025

Full-Time

Remote

Locations

Showing 1 location

Boston, MA 02109, USA

Job Details

Description

Institute for Healthcare Improvement

Research Associate

Scheduled Hours

Full Time

Salary Range

$64,417-$103,067

Location

Remote, USA

About IHI

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 to the Lead Advisor, Core Designs the Research Associate supports IHI's design and methods 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 & Learning Integration

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 (e.g. change packages) for application in health and health care

Propose strategies to integrate learning into initiatives

Assist with expert interviews and focus groups

Develop expertise in one or more subject matter areas to advance IHI's work (e.g. maternal health, patient safety, etc.)

Project & Program Support

Support external evaluation initiatives aligned with Improvement Science methodologies

Provide project management support, including maintaining project files and, 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, Communication & Equity

Collect, analyze, and present qualitative and quantitative data for technical and non-technical audiences

Co-author reports, white papers, journal articles, and blog posts

Present work at internal and external conferences

Reflect on and improve internal systems to promote equity and anti-racism

Position Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong research and development skills, including the ability to gather and synthesize large amounts of information from various sources, identify limitations, and draw conclusions

Excellent analytic skills

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 capacity 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 engage with internal and external stakeholders through interviews, focus groups, and collaborative design processes

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 work independently and as a team member

Strong interest in health, health care and improvement, and knowledge of U.S. and global health care policy and reform

Ability to collaborate with others at a variety of organizational levels including giving and receiving constructive feedback to team members

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects

Ability to successfully meet deadlines consistently

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

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

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.

At IHI, we are inspired to do our best work and be our best selves by leaning into our values and uniting in our vision to create a future in which everyone has the best care and health possible. We ensure that people feel valued and supported in meaningful ways, as demonstrated in our total rewards package that features competitive compensation, medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability plans, FSA plans, matching 401k contributions, tuition reimbursement, a personal development allowance to support what matters to you, a professional development allowance to support continued learning, respect for personal commitments and flexibility to manage them, generous time off including vacation time, wellness and wellbeing time, and other special programs to support employee wellbeing.

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 our application, please let us know. Veterans are encouraged to apply.