The Evaluation Sciences Unit in the Division of Primary Care and Population Health at Stanford University is seeking a research professional with qualitative research skills to join our collaborative and dynamic team in a 12 month fixed-term role. We seek a professional with independent skills in executing qualitative and mixed-methods research studies, and a strong track record of project management and on-time, on-budget project execution. The role requires an understanding and experience in qualitative methods, a high degree of organization, continuous exercise of independent initiative and judgment, strong ethic of collaboration, and exceptional, client-focused interpersonal skills. This position will play an important role in designing, conducting, and analyzing mixed methods evaluations of innovative healthcare delivery models both inside and outside Stanford University.

Under the direction of the qualitative project lead, this role will assist in the evaluation of several projects focused on improving quality of health care delivery. The role will be responsible for overall project management; collecting, managing and analyzing qualitative data; and assist in report writing. This position will involve conducting interviews with providers, clinical staff, patients and/or their family caregivers; applicants should be aware of potential sensitivity involved in this work depending on each project’s focus.

This is an ideal position for a qualitative researcher with a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as health services research, sociology, psychology, public health or anthropology who has a passion for improving health care systems in the United States. Although currently a fixed-term position, there is possibility of extension pending availability of funding.

Duties include:

• Develop and implement qualitative data collection and analysis plans with minimal oversight.
• Conduct interviews, observations, and focus groups to support mixed methods research in alignment with the research plan.
• Analyze data using mixed methods in alignment with the goals and scientific frameworks identified for the study
• Troubleshoot issues that arise in studies/projects that may affect priorities
• Assist in developing analyses including identifying frameworks or logic models to help define the work.
• Draft partial or entire abstracts, posters, and manuscripts.
• Help identify topics for manuscripts and opportunities to present at appropriate conferences.

* - Other duties may also be assigned

Duties include:

• Assist in designing experiments, exercising independent initiative and judgment gained from completing a variety of high level assignments, including activities such as defining variables, formulating hypotheses, and selecting subjects, sources of information, or planned and coordinating experimental protocols.
• Adapt or work out the details of new, nonstandard procedures, with the supervisor providing only general guidance and suggestions.
• Interpret, synthesize, and analyze data using scientific or statistical techniques.
• Solve problems, and make decisions which affect the direction of the research and result in independent contributions to the overall project.
• Co-author sections of research publications and regulatory reports as needed.
• Complete project-related administrative and budgetary responsibilities of a limited scope as needed.
• Supervise staff or students as needed, including oversight and instruction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work.

*- The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent skills with Office? in particular Word? and PowerPoint.
• Preferred: Master’s degree with 2 years’ experience in relevant research environment.

Strongly Desirable:

• Experience working with people from different cultures and income levels.
• Fluency in one or more language other than English (e.g., Spanish).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field of social science such as health services research, public health, or sociology/psychology/anthropology.  
• Two to three years’ experience in performing qualitative research; both data collection and analysis
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated experience bringing projects to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-review literature
• Experience with NVivo software.  
• Excellent inter-personal communication skills with broad stakeholder groups

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

• Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field and two years applicable experience, or combination of education and experience in an applicable social science.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific theory and methods.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with human study participants.
• Developing supervisory skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, writing by hand, and sort/file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, rarely reach/work above shoulders, operate foot and/or hand controls.

*- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May be exposed to blood borne pathogens.
• May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors bases on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, https://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Why Stanford is for You:

• Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

*- Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 4187
Employee Status: Fixed-Term
Grade: G
Requisition ID: 86909