Research Associate

The Research Associate will support the Research Development and Support Manager and Research Director’s work to inform HealthySteps program development and grow the HealthySteps evidence base. Primary responsibilities of the position include: (1) supporting HealthySteps sites in conducting applied HealthySteps research and other National Office-led research projects, (2) maintaining and updating the HealthySteps evidence catalogue and evidence resources, and (3) mastering and maintaining areas of relevant evidence from the field of preventive pediatric primary care at large to contextualize and situate HealthySteps evidence and the HealthySteps model in the broader literature and inform programmatic decision-making. This is a term-limited position through March 31, 2027, and may be extended contingent upon continued funding, organizational needs, and demonstrated performance.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide research and evaluation technical assistance to HealthySteps sites to advance the site-level HealthySteps research strategy. Support the Research Development and Support Manager in consulting with sites on their applied HealthySteps research by:
• Guiding research design to align with HealthySteps model and health system priorities.
• Advising on study design, measurement strategies, and data collection methods.
• Supporting family recruitment and engagement using culturally responsive approaches.
• Collaborating on interpretation of results.
• Connecting sites with relevant research, resources, and peer learning opportunities.
• Assisting with dissemination through contribution to presentations, publications, and materials.
• Support HealthySteps research projects by collaborating with the Research Development and Support Manager and Research Director to:
• Provide operational project support and coordinate with external partners and/or evaluation vendors.
• Provide evaluation technical assistance and support to sites participating in research projects
• Prepare agendas and participate in meetings with key partners.
• Contribute research content for proposals and reports and provide feedback on research materials.
• Lead efforts to maintain, update and disseminate the HealthySteps evidence-base, including:
• Mastering, maintaining, and updating the HealthySteps evidence catalogue (i.e., completed and in-progress HealthySteps research) and related resources.
• Partnering with the Communications team on dissemination of HealthySteps research, including supporting development and maintenance of research-related website content.
• Updating external-facing evidence documents annually and creating new resources as needed.
• Responding to evidence requests from internal staff and external partners.
• Lead efforts to review and synthesize field-level evidence, including:
• Staying informed on current evidence and best practices in pediatric primary care for infants, toddlers, and their families to inform programmatic decision-making.
• Leading regular information gathering efforts (e.g., literature reviews, interviews with key partners, etc.) to summarize evidence and best practices related to the HealthySteps priority outcome areas and other areas as relevant and to inform the work of the model stewardship committee.
• Synthesizing and reporting findings internally and externally as appropriate. 
• Reviewing and critiquing research articles to assess relevance and alignment with the HealthySteps model and developing talking points in collaboration with communications.
• Performs other duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the project.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Research and evaluation expertise
• Minimum 4 years of experience in evaluation and/or research of human services programs; experience with pediatric and/or maternal-child health programs preferred
• Proficiency in quantitative, qualitative, and community-engaged research methods, including protocol development, measurement selection, data collection, and statistical and thematic analysis
• Experience providing research and evaluation technical assistance
• Experience conducting qualitative interviews

• Evidence management and knowledge building
  • Skilled in conducting literature searches and environmental scans to summarize evidence, identify field-level trends and best practices, and communicate findings effectively
  • Proficient at using citation-management programs (e.g., Zotero)
  • Demonstrated and current knowledge of evidence-based sources (academic journals, organizations, etc.) related to the field of pediatrics
  • Knowledge of early childhood programs and policies, particularly in pediatric settings is preferred.

• Project and communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects and contribute to multiple work streams simultaneously, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research findings into clear, accessible language for a wide range of audiences
  • Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills to foster collaboration across teams and partners

• Technical proficiency
  • Experience using project management platforms (e.g., Asana) preferred
  • High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

EDUCATION

Master’s degree in social sciences or health services research, public health, program evaluation, health or public policy, or a related field preferred. Bachelors degree with related professional experience required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This position's salary is estimated to be mid $60,000s to mid $80,000s depending on experience, geo-location, budget, and other comparable and similarly scoped internal positions. In addition to salary, ZERO TO THREE offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, HRA, retirement contributions, generous leave benefits and more.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is frequently required to use finger dexterity and sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading a computer screen. Also, they may need to remain seated for extended periods, can perform repetitive motions, and reach for objects. An employee is frequently required to hold a writing instrument, communicate verbally, and hear well enough to detect nuances and receive detailed information. They may be required to grasp objects, push, and pull objects, bend, stand, walk, squat, or kneel. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision for data preparation or analysis, and expansive reading. May need to lift up to 30 pounds.