TARC Senior Research Associate
The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) was founded to represent the interests of Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) before Congress and Federal agencies and influence policies impacting the health conditions experienced by urban American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). NCUIH is a 501(c)(3), membership-based organization devoted to supporting the development of quality, accessible, and culturally sensitive healthcare programs for AI/ANs living in urban communities. NCUIH provides advocacy, education, training, and leadership for urban Indian healthcare providers and represents UIOs funded through Title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and the AI/ANs they serve.
Position Summary
The Technical Assistance and Research Center (TARC) Senior Research Associate will work closely with the TARC Research and Data Manager in fulfilling the work of the organization by providing specific expertise (Epidemiology/ Biostatistics/ Legal Epi/ Evaluation) to projects related to health policy data, health care system data, and evaluation capacity needs of Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). Additionally, the Senior Research Associate will be responsible for managing data-related grants, research development, partnership-building, event development, and database management of information. Initial projects will primarily consist of work on grant-funded opportunities to support the collection and analysis of primary and secondary data that builds knowledge on the urban Indian health field to justify health policy priorities using basic statistical methods, as well as updating/maintaining NCUIH databases. Providing direct support to UIOs through capacity-building Technical Assistance (TA) to establish research partnerships, provide data-collection support for evaluations, needs assessments, data entry, and data visualization, etc. Ongoing responsibilities will also include written and oral communication and dissemination of project results.
The Senior Research Associate at NCUIH will provide expert epidemiological, scientific, and technical leadership in designing and conducting analyses for American Indian and Alaska Native health. This role involves mentoring junior Research Associates and guiding UIO members in survey development and methodology to ensure culturally sensitive and accurate data collection. The Senior Associate will analyze health data from various sources, including national and local surveillance systems and clinical data from UIOs, and generate comprehensive reports to inform health programs, policies, policymakers and leadership. This position will also work closely with the Policy & Communications Department to support policy research and materials relevant to NCUIH priorities.
Additionally, the Senior Research Associate will identify new data sources, support senior leadership in maintaining relevant datasets, and perform independent statistical analyses that will provide data to support NCUIH policy priorities and the improvement of AI/AN health. They will offer epidemiological consultation to a range of health agencies and organizations, effectively translating and disseminating findings through diverse mediums. Responsibilities also include participating in grant writing, quality control processes, project management, and maintaining data-reporting systems. The Senior Associate will conduct literature reviews to support research and policy development, build relationships with partners to enhance service delivery, and promote NCUIH's vision and mission across all activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide expert epidemiological, scientific, and technical expertise in designing and conducting investigations and analyses for Urban Indian Health.
- Mentor and train junior Research Associates and interns, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing within the team along with the Data Manager.
- Utilize statistical and analytic skills to design culturally competent data collection methods and perform comprehensive analyses.
- Analyze, interpret, and present health data from national and local surveillance systems, surveys, and clinical data from the network of Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) in a culturally sensitive way.
- Develop and design surveys to gather relevant health data from Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) and their communities.
- Collaborate with the Policy and Communications Department to develop products and research relevant to NCUIH priorities
- Provide expertise, technical assistance and guidance to UIO members and colleagues on survey methodology, including question formulation, sampling techniques, and data collection processes.
- Ensure surveys are culturally sensitive and tailored to effectively capture the health needs and concerns of urban AI/AN populations.
- Analyze survey data and generate comprehensive reports to inform health programs and policies for UIOs.
- Identify and evaluate new data sources to assess the health status of urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations.
- Support the Senior Leadership and Data Teams in maintaining surveillance datasets used to monitor urban AI/AN health.
- Design and conduct descriptive and inferential statistical analyses independently.
- Develop and disseminate resource materials (fact sheets, infographics, etc.) that put data into action for various audiences.
- Provide epidemiological consultation and technical assistance to UIOs, public, private, nonprofit, national, state, and local health agencies and organizations, focusing on AI/AN health-related issues.
- Respond to data and information requests promptly and accurately.
- Effectively translate and disseminate findings to diverse audiences through reports, manuscripts, data briefs, and oral presentations.
- Participate in grant writing and other funding proposals to support research initiatives and projects.
- Engage in quality control and improvement processes to enhance data quality and dissemination.
- Develop project plans, timelines, and progress reports, managing project deliverables efficiently.
- Disseminate progress reports to funders and stakeholders at local, state, and national levels.
- Regularly evaluate and document program elements to ensure compliance with performance standards and requirements.
- Maintain files and data-reporting systems to support program analysis at regular intervals.
- Participate in advisory meetings and coalitions with community partners and stakeholders.
- Build and maintain relationships with partners to promote coordinated and effective service delivery.
- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to identify current trends, gaps, and evidence-based practices in urban AI/AN health.
- Synthesize findings from literature reviews to support research projects, grant proposals, and policy development.
- Develop and disseminate resource materials (fact sheets, infographics, etc.) that put data into action for various audiences.
- Provide summarized literature insights to UIO members to inform their health programs and initiatives.
- Promote NCUIH’s vision, mission, and values across all levels and activities.
- Other activities as directed by Leadership
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree, in public health or research-related field, preferably a behavioral health or public health background. Master’s degree strongly preferred, or a Bachelor’s and at least 6 years of experience in Indian Country.
- Must possess at least 4 years’ experience in research and data analysis, public health evaluation, and /or health programming, with strong project management skills.
- At least 3 years of management experience required.
- Experience working in a healthcare setting preferred, especially in health policy, quality improvement, or health measure reporting.
- Experience in Qualitative and/or Quantitative data analysis skills using Dedoose, Qualtrics, Excel, and/or R statistical platform.
- Experience working in the public health/ healthcare sector.
- Knowledge of healthcare systems and policies, especially within Indian healthcare.
- Must possess a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Windows Operating Systems and Microsoft applications (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). As well as be highly proficient in other forms of technology with the ability to learn new programs and software.
- Must have experience developing databases, surveys, questionnaires, and focus group tools (via Excel, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, etc.).
- Must be highly proficient in written communication for document composition and proofreading purposes—familiarity with APA writing style and guidelines is desirable.
- Must possess polished oral communication skills, telephone etiquette, scheduling, and notetaking skills.
- Must be highly self-directed, well-organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable completing tasks with a minimum of direct supervision.
- Must possess the ability to multitask and coordinate multiple office activities either independently or in teams simultaneously while completing assigned tasks in an accurate and timely manner.
- Must be trustworthy and dependable; arrive on time bring diligence and strong work ethic to the office every day. Must be able to consistently present a positive attitude and contribute to a harmonious team environment. We are looking for enthusiasm and energy. Shall at all times demonstrate cooperative behavior with supervisors, direct reports, colleagues, and members.
- Professional experience working with AI/ANs in the healthcare arena is highly desired.
- Experience with federal or private grant operations and management is highly desired.
- Experience with public product dissemination and communication is highly desired.
- Professional appearance and the ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels are essential. Must represent the National Council of Urban Indian Health with the highest degree of professionalism.
- The candidate is expected to handle most duties with own initiative. The candidate is responsible for drawing the Technical Assistance and Research Center Research and Data Manager’s attention to problems requiring support.
Application Procedure:
Applicants should send their resume with a cover letter. The cover letter should include what the applicant wants to gain from this employment, why he/she is interested in this position, and a brief summary of career goals. NCUIH provides an excellent benefits package and flexible work hours. AI/ANs are strongly encouraged to apply.
The position will be open until filled.
NCUIH Team Member Perks
- Annual Leave: 13 days a year, increases after 3 years, accrued bi-weekly
- Sick/Safe Leave: 13 days a year, accrued bi-weekly
- 12 paid holidays a year
- 100% employer paid premier plan medical, dental and vision premiums (for employee, spouse/partner and family coverage and $0 deductible)
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Eligible employer for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- 403b participation with up to 10% employer match
- Short- and long-term disability
- Life insurance valued at $50,000
- Optional employee-paid enrollment in AFLAC
- Competitive pay with merit increases and bonuses (dependent on funding)
Work/Life Balance and Flexibility are vital to mental, physical and spiritual health. NCUIH offers the following benefits
- Flexible remote work environment (unless specified in the job description)
- Flexible start times between 8am-10am ET
- Staff appreciation early release every other Friday (half days - June-Sept)
- Wellness Program, ShareCare, CloseKnit, gym membership discount programs, virtual behavioral health
- NCUIH sponsored travel including an annual all-staff retreat
- Modern laptop equipment, supplies and online tools to support an everyday virtual environment
- Monthly training and teambuilding to keep our skills sharp and increase organization synergy
There are perks to working remotely, but we do not forget to connect to our hard working team!
- NCUIH Swag
- Yearly anniversary gift
- Yearly birthday gift
- Holiday virtual and in person parties
- Occasional lunch delivery
- Occasional Contests with prizes
- NCUIH Virtual Staff Clubs
- Organizational platforms to share recognition of a job well done
Job Status: Full Time
Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 Annually