"Research Associate, Health Policy Impact Lab"

Overview

The Tobin Center for Economic Policy is committed to producing rigorous, policy-relevant research and bringing the resulting evidence-based insights to the policy arena for real-world impact.

The Health Policy Impact Lab, led by Tobin’s Associate Faculty Director Prof. Zack Cooper, fuses empirical research, high-level policy engagement, and top-tier communications to shift public conversations about domestic health spending, support policymakers, and raise the productivity of the U.S. health system. The Lab has helped shape both state and federal healthcare legislation, and Prof. Cooper’s research has been cited by Congress and the White House, featured widely in national media, and directly informed major legislation, including the bipartisan No Surprises Act, which protected consumers from costly medical bills and lowered health spending on the privately insured.

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support some of the Lab’s flagship initiatives, including the 1% Steps for Health Care Reform Project. Reporting to the Director of Policy (TBN) and working closely with Professor Zack Cooper and Senior Policy Fellow Liz Jurinka, the Research Assistant will contribute to the production of policy-ready briefs and memos that translate rigorous academic research into actionable insights. This role will help inject timely, evidence-based analysis into policy and public discourse and ensure that cutting-edge research informs the most pressing health policy debates.

This is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in health policy who are motivated to contribute to applied research, inform real-world decision-making, and develop skills at the intersection of economics, research, and policy. The ideal candidate has a background in economics or a related social science, strong writing and analytical skills, and a demonstrated interest in health policy. This position is especially well-suited for candidates considering a PhD in economics, public policy, health services research, or law school.

Essential Duties:

• Conducts background research and literature reviews to inform the development of policy briefs and memos for the Lab’s flagship initiatives - 1% Steps for Health Care Reform Project and Just the Facts memo series.
• Analyze and summarize academic research and health policy reports to support synthesis of actionable, evidence-based insights.
• Assist in translating technical academic research into accessible materials tailored to policymakers, practitioners, and public audiences.
• Contribute to the drafting and editing of briefs and memos, with potential to serve as a co-author.
• Support the planning and execution of convenings and briefings that bring together academics, policymakers, and stakeholders to elevate policy-relevant evidence.
• Attend select meetings with policymakers and staff to support briefings and share evidence under the guidance of Lab leadership.
• Manage content updates for project websites and ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with initiative goals.
• Track emerging academic literature, policy developments, and stakeholder priorities to help inform topic selection and dissemination strategies.
• Work closely with the Senior Health Policy Analyst to meet project deadlines, communicate with contributors, and coordinate across collaborators.
• Participate in team meetings, offering input on research framing, project execution, and strategic planning.
• Support dissemination activities, including the preparation of presentation materials, briefing memos, and public-facing content.
• Receive mentorship in health policy, academic research, and project management, with professional development tailored to candidate interests.
• Optional based on skillset: Contribute to statistical analysis and the creation of clear, policy-relevant data tables and visualizations to support select briefs and memos.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with the preparation of literature reviews, policy briefs, research reports, and presentations
• Strong administrative and project management skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt communication style to various audiences
• Well-organized, ability to prioritize, have strong attention to detail, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously. Demonstrated ability to be able to drive forward project objectives according to set timelines and deliver on project aims.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Advanced degree in a related field such as public health, social sciences, or management.
2. Experience with social media management, digital marketing, and using analytics to generate reports.
3. Familiarity with project management software and tools.
4. Experience working in an academic or non-profit setting, with a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.
5. Proven experience in budget management and financial planning.

Principal Responsibilities

1. In support of the overall mission, plans, directs and oversees programmatic activities.
2. Develops, implements, and maintains operational policies and procedures.
3. Manages program communications; identifies outreach potential, and promotes philanthropic and collaborative support of the program.
4. Works closely with leadership, internal and external colleagues, and community residents to further develop and implement strategic plans.
5. Identifies, solicits, and cultivates community partnerships and collaborations to assist in the development and growth of the program.
6. Tracks all program activities and regularly informs leadership of progress on each initiative. Recommends structural or programmatic adjustments, changes or additions based on full knowledge of missions, goals, and objectives. Develops metrics to identify and measure the success of the program.
7. Assists in identifying and evaluating potential future funding sources, and contributes to the submission of grants and contracts supporting the program, including the annual submission and writing of all content areas and budgetary sections of grant applications.
8. Develops and manages the program's operating budget.
9. Manages the administrative infrastructure of the program. Manages human resources including staffing and hiring, supervision, performance development, counseling and discipline, if warranted. Oversees and manages information systems, facilities, and space needs.
10. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in a related field and two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.