Heartland Forward is seeking a skilled research professional to join the organization as a Health Researcher in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Summary
The Health Researcher will work collaboratively to conduct applied research on population health issues limiting the American heartland’s economic performance. Consistent with the institute’s objective of becoming a thought leader and resource to heartland policymakers, this position will impact public health policy and expand our capacity to address economic development policy.
Heartland Forward’s health and wellness efforts focus on enhancing the region’s economic vitality through direct job creation and a healthy workforce. The following topics are examples of those to be addressed by the incumbent:
The burdens and costs of chronic diseases resulting from poverty, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, eating disorders, tobacco use, and other behavioral risk factors
Implications of policy, regulatory and practice changes to the healthcare system, such as increasing the scope of practice for specific health occupations, using technology such as telehealth to deliver medical services and monitor chronically ill patients, or implementation of value-based payment systems
Identify effective and replicable community wellness strategies to mitigate conditions that lead to chronic illness such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease for both individuals and groups
Create strategies to increase health care access for all residents, regardless of age, gender or race and ethnicity, and understand how such access is connected with the other focus areas of Heartland Forward: innovation and entrepreneurship, human capital and workforce development and regional competitiveness.
The Health Researcher will work with the Chief Research Officer to conduct institute-directed and sponsor-supported studies. In addition, a portion of this position will support economic analysis requested by the Whole Health Institute. This individual will be responsible for designing and overseeing research on current health-care trends facing employers, insurers, governments, and communities.
The right candidate will use statistical (quantitative and/or qualitative methods) and social scientific underpinnings to formulate recommendations that will help decision-makers arrive at effective policies and contain health-care costs. The incumbent selected for the position will bring topical and analytical expertise in health and wellness, but consideration will also be given to skills that complement the existing skills of the Heartland Forward research team.
The Health Researcher position will be located at the Heartland Forward offices in Bentonville, Arkansas. However, we will entertain a remote appointment for the right candidate. Candidates for this position are expected to present at conferences, engage with media and respond to stakeholders, so applicants must have the communication and personal skills to deal with these constituents effectively.
Responsibilities
Conduct applied research and write up findings and recommendations that can be shared with stakeholders and disseminated to impact public policy
Design and execute research studies on the causes, consequences and costs associated with poor health, particularly conditions related to chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes
Identify and articulate policy, regulatory and practice changes that could increase health care access for all heartland residents
Work alongside the Programs team to detect trends, emerging issues and new research ideas around community health and wellness and economic participation of residents
Make presentations that translate complex issues for an educated lay audience such as leaders in business and public policy, as well as the media
Build relationships with external stakeholders to make research relevant and impactful
Solicit funding to support Heartland Forward operations
Who we are looking for:
Basic qualifications for the role:
Master’s degree in health economics or related field (e.g., Public Health, Sociology or Geography, so long as there is significant emphasis on economics and/or policy analysis at the undergraduate or graduate level)
Minimum of three years of experience required in the following arenas: government, university, think tank or private industry
Strong knowledge of statistics, econometrics, biometrics, primary data collection or other advanced quantitative techniques
Published research in one of the topics listed above under “Summary”
Knowledge of the latest developments in healthcare management, insurance, or treatment/wellness protocols
Detailed knowledge of public databases related to disease incidence and treatment – such as the NHIS, MEPS, NHANES, BRFSS and others. Previous use of sub-national data is desirable
Additional preferred qualifications and helpful experience includes:
D. in related field
Five years of experience required in the following arenas: government, university, think tank or private industry
Proficiency with the following software: STATA, R, Python, Microsoft Office
Experience with data visualization tools such as GIS and Tableau
Experience working in small to medium sized companies or a start-up environment
Ability to project health-care spending under different demographic and economic scenarios, and different policy regimes, into the future
Characteristics that support success:
Unquestionable ethics and integrity. Demonstrated ability to protect privacy and maintain discretion in dealing with highly confidential information
Very strong interpersonal skills, professional demeanor, and ability to maintain grace under pressure when adapting to a rapidly changing environment, including reprioritization or reassignment of responsibilities
Must be a self-starter who takes initiative, but who also values engaging a team and working collaboratively across disciplines and/or backgrounds
Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously
Resourceful team-player, solution-oriented, intellectual agility, and the ability to analyze and think critically
Flexibility to work independently or collaboratively, depending on the project
Desires to see research applied to public policy and systematic change
Remain accessible and responsive beyond business hours
Location: Bentonville, AR
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a 501 (c) (3) nonpartisan, nonprofit “think and do tank,” focused on improving the economic performance in the center of the United States by advocating fact-based solutions to foster job creation, knowledge-based and inclusive growth, and improved health status. Most research and policy efforts by existing think tanks in the Heartland are focused on their individual state or metro areas within a state. We think a cross-cutting view is critical to solving the region's challenges, and Heartland Forward will fill this void. While recognizing the differences between places in the center of the country, we will analyze the region holistically to identify common issues and solutions.
The Institute will pursue its mission through independent, data-driven research, action-oriented convenings, and impactful policy recommendations. Its flagship convening is the Heartland Summit, a two-day summit where policy leaders, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and economic development officials come together to meet in the middle and pursue solutions to strengthen the Heartland’s economy.
Heartland Forward is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
Basic Qualifications
Master’s degree in health economics or related field (e.g., Public Health, Sociology or Geography, so long as there is significant emphasis on economics and/or policy analysis at the undergraduate or graduate level)
Minimum of three years of experience required in the following arenas: government, university, think tank or private industry
Strong knowledge of statistics, econometrics, biometrics, primary data collection or other advanced quantitative techniques
Published research in one of the topics listed above under “Summary”
Knowledge of the latest developments in healthcare management, insurance, or treatment/wellness protocols
Detailed knowledge of public databases related to disease incidence and treatment – such as the NHIS, MEPS, NHANES, BRFSS and others.
