Research Scientist-Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment
RTI International
Summary
We are seeking an early-career Associate Research Scientist to join our Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment team. This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in health outcomes research, epidemiology, psychology, public health, or a related field who is eager to build expertise in patient-centered research and consulting.
Job description
About the Role
We are seeking an early-career Associate Research Scientist to join our Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment team. This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in health outcomes research, epidemiology, psychology, public health, or a related field who is eager to build expertise in patient-centered research and consulting.
Working alongside senior researchers and project managers on multidisciplinary teams, you will support study design and implementation, qualitative analyses, literature reviews, evidence generation, proposal development, and scientific communications. You will also gain exposure to client engagement, portfolio management, and consulting operations, with a structured development path toward independent scientific leadership.
What You'll Do
- Support project coordination, including timelines, scheduling, project trackers, deliverable reviews, project files, financial tracking, vendor bids, purchase requisitions, invoicing, and IRB activities under PM/PL oversight.
- Develop kick-off meeting slides, interview guides, and qualitative analysis plans with guidance from senior scientists.
- Perform qualitative coding and thematic analysis using established methodologies.
- Draft sections of study protocols, reports, manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and client deliverables.
- Conduct targeted literature reviews and synthesize findings into clear scientific summaries and evidence tables.
- Ensure scientific quality and adherence to established research methods, SOPs, and quality standards.
- Build expertise in patient-centered outcomes research methodologies and consulting through progressively increasing responsibility and client engagement.
- Participate in internal initiatives that improve scientific methods, operational efficiency, and knowledge sharing.
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate reliability, initiative, sound judgment, and responsiveness to feedback. You will take ownership of assigned work, communicate proactively, collaborate effectively with project and operational teams, and help keep work on track.
What You'll Need
- Master's degree or PhD in public health, epidemiology, health outcomes, psychology, sociology, biostatistics, health services research, or a related discipline.
- Related internship, graduate research assistantship, or consulting experience preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet project timelines.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize scientific information and prepare clear correspondence and project deliverables.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Initiative, curiosity, and commitment to continuous learning.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills and foundational knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
Requirements
- Master's degree or PhD in public health, epidemiology, health outcomes, psychology, sociology, biostatistics, health services research, or a related discipline
- Related internship, graduate research assistantship, or consulting experience preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet project timelines
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
- Initiative, curiosity, and commitment to continuous learning
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Foundational knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Merit-Based Annual Increases
- Bonus Opportunities
- Recognition Program
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Adoption Expense Assistance
- Infertility Treatment Assistance
- Education and Development Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
Company overview
RTI International is a leading nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Founded in 1958 as the Research Triangle Institute, the organization conducts research and provides technical services in areas including health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy and the environment, and laboratory and chemistry services. With headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, RTI employs over 5,000 staff members worldwide who work across more than 75 countries. The institute is known for its rigorous scientific approach to solving complex problems and has established itself as a trusted partner for government agencies, foundations, and private sector clients seeking evidence-based solutions to global challenges. RTI's work spans from basic scientific research to applied policy analysis, with a strong emphasis on translating research findings into practical applications that benefit society.