The Robert J. Margolis, MD, Center 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 Center fosters excellence, leadership, and scholarship at every level.

Occupational Summary

Duke-Margolis has an immediate opening for a Policy Analyst within the Center’s Biomedical Innovation portfolio to support projects focused in real-world evidence (RWE) and real-world data (RWD). The individual in this position will contribute to projects related to improving the use of RWE and RWD within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s regulatory framework, as well as more systematic uses of RWE and RWD to support biomedical innovation; real world methods, study designs and outcomes; health informatics; precision health; and health privacy. The Policy Analyst may also collaborate in a broad range of other health policy topics of interest to the Center, including but not limited to: health equity, regulatory science, medical device and pharmaceutical policy, health care delivery and payment reform, global health, and the intersection of scientific and regulatory advancement with broader US health policy reforms.

Policy Analysts perform a variety of complex activities in research, writing, and analysis of 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; 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 Center events, public/private convening, and other project activities through both content development and project/ logistics coordination.   

The worksite for this position may be either of the Duke-Margolis offices in Durham, NC or Washington, DC (Washington, DC preferred). Employees are currently working in a hybrid capacity with a combination of teleworking locally to the base office area (NC, or DC/MD/VA, respectively) and in-person team collaboration.

Work Performed

• Coordinate and perform a variety of complex individual activities, with increasing independence, in research, writing, and analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data within the scope of research projects at Duke University. Contribute to one large or multiple smaller projects under the guidance of senior researchers. This specific position is focused on the use of RWE and RWD within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s regulatory framework, as well as more systematic uses of RWE and RWD to support biomedical innovation, real world study designs and outcomes, health informatics, precision health, and health privacy. The individual in this role may also collaborate in a range of other policy areas of interest to the Center.

• 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.

• Identify and evaluate potential sources of literature, qualitative and quantitative data, evidence, and other information as appropriate for addressing project questions and objectives. Make recommendations for use. Evaluate and interpret policy-relevant 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, analyze trends, and provide recommendations and/or conclusions.

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

• Coordinate 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.

• Assist in the identification of content experts and stakeholder groups to engage in projects and events through independent research, in-person or virtual 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 health care system and/or health policy landscape.

• Support Center staff and faculty 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.

• Suggest project ideas, innovations, and workflow improvements. Contribute to strong and supportive working relationships across the project team(s) and Center.

Education/ Experience

Applicants may be considered for the Policy Analyst level if they meet the following minimum education and experience requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the position and two or more years of experience in policy/research/data analysis or other relevant position. A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., health outcomes research; data science, management, and/or infrastructure; population health; epidemiology; health economics; implementation science; health product development/regulatory science; or other relevant scientific, engineering, or other technical fields) may serve to offset required years of experience on a 1:1 basis, e.g., a two-year master’s degree in lieu of two years of experience.

• Master’s degree with at least one year of related work experience is preferred.

Applicants may be considered at a Senior Policy Analyst level if they meet educational requirements (Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred) and have a minimum of four or more years of relevant experience.

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

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong research and writing experience is required (writing samples may be requested).
• Policy research skills, including the ability to synthesize content from a broad range of sources, are required.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to transform complicated information into easy to understand materials are required.
• Ability to interact professionally with senior-level individuals (e.g., local, state, and national policymakers), stakeholders, and organizations is required.
• Familiarity with current trends and regulations in topic areas relevant to the subject matter of the position is required.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team is required.
• 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.
• Training or experience in the fields of health policy; public policy; public health; data science, management, and/or infrastructure; or patient safety is preferred.
• Administrative, project coordination, and/or project management experience is preferred.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work to be performed in this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Engagements are renewable annually upon funding availability from the Center. To be considered for this position, applicants must submit materials online. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. As part of Duke University’s COVID-19 policies and procedures, all faculty and staff are required to have a COVID-19 vaccination or an approved medical or religious exemption as a condition of employment.

Application Materials Required:

• Cover letter, including statement of work site sought (Durham, NC or Washington, DC)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three references (names and email addresses)
  

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Further Info:

https://healthpolicy.duke.edu/

Dr. Rachele Hendricks-Sturrup < rachele.hendricks.sturrup@duke.edu>

Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy

1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 500

Washington, DC 20004