Senior Research Scientist - Patient-Centered Outcomes Research

Company: NORC at the University of Chicago
Location: Bethesda
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION: NORC at the University of Chicago seeks a qualified Senior Research Scientist to direct program and policy projects related to health science research, including projects involving policy analysis, focus groups, literature reviews, structured interviews with stakeholders including health care providers, insurers, policymakers, and patients, and quantitative analysis. NORC recognizes that talented and skilled researchers live throughout the U.S. and actively supports remote work arrangements. Occasional trips to client sites or the office may be required. As a condition of employment, all NORC employees and contractors – including those working remotely – must be fully vaccinated (as defined by current CDC guidance) against COVID-19. DEPARTMENT: Health Sciences NORC’s Health Sciences staff produce rich data on health care priorities including the uses of electronic clinical data in research, and the applications and effectiveness of health information technology. Our expert staff evaluates the effectiveness of federal investments in informatics, supports the emerging fields of patient-centered outcomes research and mobile health. The staff also work on large implementation science projects involving patient safety and quality. NORC’s Health Sciences staff work collaboratively with colleagues in the Health Care and Public Health Departments to offer program, policy, and research solutions. Our work is guided by a commitment to long-lasting partnerships, transparency, and high-quality, nonpartisan research that improves health and health care for all people. RESPONSIBILITIES: Support federal clients focused on health-services research in key domains, including patient-centered outcomes research, health informatics, population heath, patient safety and quality, and social determinants of health. Support may include consultative policy analysis, evaluation expertise, and operational and technical support Contribute to strategic planning for future research opportunities Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative research studies, evaluations, and analyses; develop structured interview protocols and content; and lead stakeholder interviews Independently draft and manage contract proposals and grant applications, communicating effectively with clients, consultants, and members of the policy and research community Participate in and contribute to internal discussions and strategic thinking concerning future research opportunities and the implications of ongoing policy-making for NORC Manage contracts and work closely with clients to ensure that contractual requirements (deliverables and timelines) and client expectations are met using the highest standards of quality and collegiality Manage multiple project teams of senior, mid-level, and junior staff, and bring in experts as needed, to meet client expectations and contractual requirements Supervise and mentor junior staff Monitor and oversee the financial and administrative aspects of ongoing projects. REQUIRED SKILLS: Master or Doctoral degree in public policy or related fields (training in an array of social science disciplines will be considered). At least 9 years’ experience in positions of increasing responsibility in evaluation research, policy analysis, survey research or related field (or equivalent education) including at least 3 years of social science project management. Experience working for the federal government or a federal contractor. Prior experience in implementation science, pragmatic trials, or program evaluation is a plus. Prior experience in qualitative methods with work related to Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) or implementation science is a plus. Prior work with Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is a plus. Experience with conducting policy analysis in a government or professional services environment. Experience with and knowledge of the principles of quantitative and qualitative research design, data collection, and data analysis. Experience with estimating project and proposal costs and managing project budgets. Excellent oral and written communication skills and aptitude in leading and working with project teams, coordinating multiple projects (including those run by others within NORC). Occasional travel for site visits and meetings may be required. WHAT WE DO: NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, our teams have conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with us to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge. WHO WE ARE: For over 75 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, moving the needle with research methods, technical applications and groundbreaking research findings. But our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality have remained constant components of who we are as a brand, and who each of us is as a member of the NORC team. With world-class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people join for the stellar research and analysis work for which we’re known, and stay for the relationships they form with their colleagues who take pride in the impact their work is making on a global scale. EEO STATEMENT: NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other legally- protected characteristics.

Keywords: NORC at the University of Chicago, Wilmington , Senior Research Scientist - Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Science, Research & Development , Bethesda, Delaware