Senior Research Analyst

Salary/Position Classification

• $64,800+, Annual, Dependent on Experience, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): Yes, negotiable
  • Work location must be within a commutable distance from the UND main campus located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
  • Travel within North Dakota is required for this position.

Purpose of Position

Supporting initiatives across the Center for Rural Health’s broad portfolio of federal, state, foundation, and locally-funded initiatives, the incumbent will provide subject-matter expertise in one or more public health areas, design and implement comprehensive evaluation and analysis plans, serve as a thought-leader in developing innovative strategies for improving community health, synthesize multiple lines of information in creating evidence-based programmatic and policy recommendations, work with communities and agencies in effecting health change, and other duties in support of the Center.

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide subject-matter expertise to support program development and implementation, strategic planning, and community impact.

• Serve as a recognized internal subject-matter expert in designated public health domains by synthesizing current research, practice guidelines, and policy trends to inform Center initiatives.
• Provide expert consultation to Center leadership and project teams on program design, implementation strategies, and alignment with evidence-based practices.
• Lead or contribute to strategic planning efforts by identifying emerging public health needs, opportunities for innovation, and alignment with funder priorities.
• Translate complex public health evidence into actionable guidance for program staff, community partners, and decision-makers.
• Develop concept papers, white papers, briefing documents, and internal guidance materials to support new initiatives and program refinement. 

Design and implement comprehensive data collection, evaluation, and analysis plans.

• Design logic models, evaluation frameworks, and performance measurement plans for multi-component public health initiatives.
• Develop data collection instruments, protocols, and timelines consistent with evaluation goals and funder requirements.
• Oversee or conduct quantitative and qualitative data collection activities, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Analyze program data using appropriate statistical and analytic methods to assess outcomes, impact, and process effectiveness.
• Interpret findings and translate results into clear, actionable insights for program improvement and decision-making.
• Prepare evaluation reports and data summaries for internal use, funders, and external stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance to staff and partners on evaluation methods, data use, and continuous quality improvement practices. 

Provide recommendations regarding policies and initiatives to improve community health.

• Conduct systematic reviews of public health policies, programs, and initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Assess the likely effectiveness, feasibility, and impact of existing or proposed policies.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and funding developments relevant to the Center’s portfolio and communicate implications to leadership and project teams.
• Develop evidence-based policy briefs, issue briefs, and recommendations tailored to policymakers, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Present findings and recommendations through written reports, presentations, and facilitated discussions.
• Support grant development and reporting by contributing policy analysis and justification aligned with funder expectations.

Collaborate with community organizations, government agencies, community members, clinical entities, and other stakeholders in addressing public health challenges.

• Provide consultation to multi-sector stakeholders in the design, implementation, and evaluation of public health initiatives.
• Incorporate community perspectives, lived experience, and local knowledge into program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Identify and address barriers to collaboration, including cultural, organizational, or resource-related challenges.
• Represent the Center in community and interagency forums to advance collective public health initiatives, as appropriate.

Participate in professional activities.

• Participate in Center for Rural Health meetings.
• Develop and manage special projects and other job-related duties, as assigned.
• Participate on committees, make presentations, and publish appropriate research or accomplishments, as assigned.
• Keep current on the latest developments in the field and areas of interest related to the position through reading and other communications.
• Contribute to the advancement of the profession and status of the Center for Rural Health. 

Required Competencies

• Knowledge of rural health dynamics.
• Ability to connect resources, empower interested persons or organizations, and take on leadership roles.
• Ability to accurately type, proof, edit, and format reports and manuscripts.
• Ability to apply UND and federal grant policies and procedures.
• Customer service skills.
• Strong computer aptitude.
• Skills and ability using the internet and search engines.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to be self-directed.
• High level of attention-to-detail and the ability to generate timely work products.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, take initiative, and to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Must be able to travel to national, regional, or local events/meetings across North Dakota.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree.
• Five years experience working in a public health-focused or closely-related position. Must substantiate years of experience in a statement provided as part of cover letter.
• Experience designing and conducting program evaluations.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Experience using videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom, WebEx (or similar).
• Cover Letter with statement substantiating 5 years of experience.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public health or health-related field.
• Experience working with rural health stakeholder groups.
• Experience with policy research and/or advocacy.
• Experience organizing and tracking programmatic information and writing programmatic reports.

To Apply

Cover letter and resume are required. Application materials must substantiate 5-years of experience in a public health-focused or closely-related position.