Policy Analyst

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Policy Analyst

Robert J. Margolis, MD, Institute for Health Policy

The Robert J. Margolis, MD, Institute for Health Policy at Duke University (Duke-Margolis) seeks to address critical health policy challenges and improve health, health equity, and the value of health care through practical, innovative, and evidence-based policy solutions. The interdisciplinary nature of Duke-Margolis brings together policy experts, researchers, health care professionals, and students from across Duke’s schools of medicine, nursing, law, public policy, business, and engineering, and fosters extensive relationships with stakeholders both internal and external. These relationships span foundations, private sector organizations, state and federal governments, and global entities. The Institute fosters excellence, leadership, and scholarship at every level.

Occupational Summary

Duke-Margolis is hiring multiple Policy Analysts (both Tier I and Tier II) for roles within the Institute’s Health Care Transformation research portfolio. Individuals in these positions will primarily support projects focused on healthcare delivery and payment reform, health systems transformation, and rural health, with the potential to also support other areas of interest to the Institute as needs arise.

These positions will support/perform a variety of complex activities in research, writing, and analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data within the scope of research and policy projects at Duke University. Primary responsibilities include conducting health policy-focused background research; drafting summary documents; performing literature reviews; contributing to and/or performing extensive writing for a range of deliverable types (e.g., policy briefs, white papers, blog posts, peer-reviewed publications); and supporting planning and preparation for Institute events, including public and private convenings, and other project activities through both content development and project/ logistics coordination.  

Duke-Margolis has offices in both Washington, DC and on Duke's main campus in Durham, NC. Durham, NC is the preferred location for these positions, though exceptional Washington, DC candidates may also be considered. Employees are currently working in a hybrid capacity with a combination of teleworking locally to the base office area (DC/MD/VA or NC, respectively) and in-person team collaboration.

Work Performed

Support/Coordinate and perform a variety of complex individual activities, with increasing independence (Tier II), in research, writing, and analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data within the scope of research projects at Duke University, focused on specializations in health policy. Contribute to one large or multiple smaller projects under the oversight/guidance of a principal investigator and/or senior researcher. These positions will have a primary focus on healthcare delivery and payment reform, health systems transformation, and rural health. Individuals in these roles may also contribute to projects in other areas of interest to the Institute, which may include but are not limited to: biomedical innovation, medical product development, real-world data and evidence, regulatory science, medical device and pharmaceutical policy, health equity, global health, and the intersection of scientific and regulatory advancement with broader US health policy reforms.

Collaborate with senior researchers to conduct research, perform literature reviews, draft summary documents, and perform extensive writing for a range of deliverable types (e.g., policy briefs, white papers, blog posts, public reports and recommendations, peer-reviewed journal articles) on a broad range of health policy topics.

Contribute to the identification of (Tier I) or identify and evaluate (Tier II) potential sources of qualitative and quantitative data, evidence, and information as appropriate for addressing project questions and objectives. Make recommendations for use (Tier II). Evaluate and interpret data collected from diverse sources. Synthesize and translate complex information from a wide range of inputs into clear and accessible written material for a range of audiences. Prepare oral and/or written reports and analyses to present findings, establish progress, and analyze trends. Provide recommendations and/or conclusions (Tier II).

Produce high-quality written work products and deliverables. Plan (Tier II), implement, and coordinate activities to execute assigned elements of plans and projects.

Coordinate (Tier II) and support the execution of Duke-Margolis public and expert convenings (e.g., workshops, roundtables, seminars, other varied stakeholder meetings) through topic-focused policy research, preparatory analysis and writing to craft clear and concise materials for stakeholder and expert review and response, coordination, and logistics management for events ranging in size from focused expert panels to large-scale public events.

Support principal investigators and senior researchers in developing draft presentations, speaking points, and policy briefs.

Maintain liaison with project participants, project personnel, faculty members, and other relevant parties to support project deliverables and objectives. Coordinate project activities and logistics with stakeholders, industry representatives, and policy professionals as required to support project execution, data collection, and/or dissemination of findings.

Support senior researchers in event planning and preparation. Coordinate with senior researchers and administrative staff to organize and plan convening activities and events relevant to targeted scientific and policy issues.

Contribute to strong and supportive working relationships across the project team(s) and Institute.

In addition to the above, the Policy Analyst Tier II level will:

• Assist in the identification of content experts and stakeholder groups to engage in projects and events through independent research, phone interviews, and correspondence.

• Monitor developments in relevant content areas by attending meetings and engaging in ongoing review of relevant sources (e.g., news, legislation, policy statements, etc); prepare internal briefing materials on assigned topic areas. Independently notify colleagues of policy changes and provide in-depth analysis of impacts to the policy landscape.

• Suggest project ideas, innovations, and workflow improvements.

Minimum Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training: Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in a field related to the position (e.g., policy, public health, public administration, economics, science, engineering, law, or field directly related to the position).

Experience:

• For Tier I (Policy Analyst, Assistant), no experience required above education/training requirements.
• For Tier II (Policy Analyst), work requires two years of experience in policy/research/data analysis or related position.

Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Desired Skills

• Strong research and writing experience.
• Policy research skills, including the ability to synthesize content from a broad range of sources. Data analysis capabilities are preferred.
• Exposure to analyzing and interpreting quantitative data (e.g., coursework, internships, or research using survey, administrative, or similar data) and conducting basic statistical or descriptive analyses.
• Proficiency or familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, R, Stata, SAS, or Python) to clean, analyze, and visualize data.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to transform complicated information into easy-to-understand materials.
• Ability to interact professionally with senior-level individuals (e.g., local, state, and national policymakers), stakeholders, and organizations.
• Familiarity with current trends and regulations in topic areas relevant to the specific position.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with varied responsibilities and able to respond flexibly to changing needs.
• Proficient in use of standard computing software (including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint); capacity to learn additional job-specific programs as required.
• Administrative, project coordination, and/or project management experience is preferred.
• Training or experience in the fields of health policy, public policy, public health, science, or engineering is preferred.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Engagements are renewable annually upon funding availability. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for these positions.

Application Materials Required:

• Cover letter, including statement of work location sought
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three References (names and email addresses)