RESEARCH ANALYST I

PROGRAM/UNIT DESCRIPTION

The Healthy Eating Research program at Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute seeks a 100% FTE Research Analyst. Healthy Eating Research is a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) directed by Mary Story, PhD, RD and Megan Lott, MPH RD, Deputy Director. The program office manages Healthy Eating Research grantmaking and commissioned research for RWJF, sets the research agenda, provides technical assistance and direction to multidisciplinary research teams nationwide, and synthesizes and communicates research findings to help inform policy change at community, state, and federal levels.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will serve as Research Analyst for the Healthy Eating Research (HER) national program office, under the supervision of the Program’s Senior Research Associate, Lindsey Miller. [MLM1] This individual will be responsible for a variety of complex and independent activities involved in the planning and organizing of research activities to support the mission of HER.

Primary responsibilities include:

1) Manage the program’s commissioned research portfolio, including collaborating with HER partners and key stakeholders to identify research gaps and solicit research proposals, maintaining a tracking system for commissioned research products, activities, and key milestones/deadlines (such as manuscripts, reports, presentations, and policy impacts); provide content-related technical assistance to commissioned research grantees; monitor research project progress through regular communications with research teams and work with HER Communications Associate to proactively identify grantee communications and dissemination needs and outreach; and prepare reports as requested by the Program Director, Deputy Director, or Foundation (25%).

2) Perform a variety of complex activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation, and interpretation of information related to Healthy Eating Research projects and grantees, such as engaging in collaborations with key partners to identify research priorities; tracking published literature relevant to HER and RWJF priority areas; conducting literature searches on relevant topics of importance and evaluate and interpret research findings; and drafting reports or manuscripts, such as Issue Briefs or Research Reviews, to clearly communicate research study results (20%).

3) Participate in the design, execution, data gathering, and analysis for expert panels and other special Healthy Eating Research studies as requested by Funder (20%).

4) Assist with the application and review processes for HER’s funding opportunities, including: screening concept papers and full proposals for the program’s annual call for proposals; reviewing and providing feedback on commissioned research proposals (i.e., timeliness, relevance, and study design); and assist in scoping out projects to be commissioned through the program’s commissioned research grants (15%).

5) Provide logistical support and content expertise to HER Working Groups, including, but not limited to the Healthy Food Retail, COVID-19 Food and Nutrition, and Food Labeling Working Groups (10%).

6) Assist with other projects as requested, including in the development, planning, and implementation of the program’s annual national professional conference of up to 175 participants; in the planning and development of HER national program office activities; and in the preparation of program grant applications and reports (5%).

7) Represent Healthy Eating Research and/or present at meetings or conferences (5%).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

Experience: Work requires two years of experience in research/data analysis or related position. Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Work experience in public health, public policy, nutrition, social science, or related field
• A work history demonstrating successful support of a research program or experience with project management
• Experience conducting literature reviews and demonstrated competencies in on-line and library research as it relates to nutrition is required.
• Work experience with low-income or racial/ethnic minority populations, especially children and families
• Familiarity with food and nutrition policy, research, and governmental and NGO partners is required.

Skills:

• Evaluate and interpret data and draft reports or manuscripts detailing the results of research studies;
• Participate in the design, execution, data gathering, and analysis for research projects;
• Conduct literature reviews or ad hoc research in related topic areas as needed and communicate findings as appropriate
• Assist in the preparation of manuscripts for submission to scientific journals
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills and attention to detail, including ability to document work and maintain thorough and organized electronic and paper shared files;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• A work history demonstrating the ability to work independently and to take initiative.

Duke 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.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.