Health Services Researcher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of advanced healthcare, the need for Health Services Researchers has never been more crucial.

Healthcare continues to evolve, and with each progression, the demand for skilled professionals who can investigate, analyze, and enhance our health systems escalities.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Health Services Researcher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of health services research,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Health Services Researcher job description template, designed for convenient posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Health Services Researcher Duties and Responsibilities

Health Services Researchers perform a range of tasks related to studying the access to healthcare, the costs of care, and the health outcomes in order to provide high quality and cost-effective health care.

Their main responsibilities include:

• Planning, designing, and conducting health services research projects
• Collecting and analyzing health data using advanced statistical methods
• Assessing healthcare trends and outcomes to provide evidence for healthcare policy and strategic decision making
• Evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare programs and systems
• Publishing research findings in scientific journals and presenting findings at conferences
• Working with healthcare stakeholders to implement research findings into practice
• Consulting with health policymakers to help inform policy decisions
• Applying for and managing research funding
• Supervising and mentoring junior researchers and research assistants

 

Health Services Researcher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Health Services Researcher to join our team.

The researcher will be responsible for studying healthcare systems and services, analyzing data, and providing evidence-based recommendations to improve patient care and health outcomes.

The ideal candidate has a solid background in health services research, is comfortable with statistical analysis, and is knowledgeable about current trends and issues in healthcare.

They should also have strong communication skills to effectively present their findings to healthcare providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct studies on health services, including access, quality, costs, and outcomes
• Analyze and interpret data using statistical methods
• Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, surveys, focus groups, and other sources
• Stay current with healthcare trends, issues, and research methods
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for healthcare providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive analysis
• Contribute to policy development and revision based on research findings

 

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Health Services Research, Epidemiology, or related field
• Proven experience as a Health Services Researcher
• Strong statistical analysis skills
• Familiarity with healthcare systems and services
• Proficiency in data analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, or R
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off policy
• Continuing education opportunities
• Flexible work schedule

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Health Services Researcher
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for meetings and conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Research or Principal Investigator.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, in line with industry standards.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum, depending on qualifications and experience
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Health Services Researcher Do?

Health Services Researchers play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, as they focus on understanding how different factors influence healthcare outcomes and the quality and cost of healthcare.

These professionals typically conduct research in a variety of settings including universities, healthcare organizations, and public health departments.

They can also work as independent consultants.

Their primary role involves designing and conducting studies to investigate and analyze healthcare delivery systems and processes.

They use statistical techniques to understand the efficiency and effectiveness of health services, the behavior of healthcare providers and patients, as well as to measure health outcomes.

Health Services Researchers may also evaluate healthcare policies and regulations to determine their impact on the quality and accessibility of healthcare.

They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, policymakers, and administrators to translate their research findings into strategies and policies that can improve health services.

In addition, Health Services Researchers are also responsible for writing research reports, presenting their findings to stakeholders, and seeking funding for their research projects.

Their work significantly contributes to the development of evidence-based healthcare and policy-making.

 

Health Services Researcher Qualifications and Skills

A proficient health services researcher should possess skills and qualifications that align with the requirements of the role, such as:

• Strong understanding of healthcare systems and policies to assess the efficacy and efficiency of healthcare services.
• Exceptional analytical skills to interpret complex data and draw accurate conclusions.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software and data management to handle and interpret large datasets related to healthcare.
• Excellent communication skills to present research findings clearly to a variety of audiences, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public.
• Ability to use both qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate healthcare issues and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Problem-solving abilities to address health services challenges and devise effective solutions.
• Strong project management skills to oversee research projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely and efficient progress.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, including healthcare providers, administrators, and other researchers.

 

Health Services Researcher Experience Requirements

Health Services Researchers often hold a Master’s or Doctorate in health services research, public health, epidemiology, or a related field, where they gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in their respective field.

Entry-level candidates usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships, part-time roles or research assistant positions in health services research or healthcare.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Health Policy Analyst, Clinical Data Analyst, or other research-related roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their analytical skills, proficiency in statistical software and understanding of healthcare systems in entry-level Health Services Researcher roles or similar positions.

They may also have experience with grant writing and publication of research findings.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position.

They may also have a track record of securing research funding and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Some roles, particularly those in academic or high-level policy settings, may require their Health Services Researcher hires to have advanced research experience, including proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, and a strong publication record.

 

Health Services Researcher Education and Training Requirements

Health Services Researchers typically have a master’s or doctoral degree in health services research, public health, epidemiology, or a related field.

These programs provide students with a solid foundation in research methods, biostatistics, health economics, and health policy.

In addition to formal education, they often need to have a strong background in data analysis, health informatics, and biostatistics.

Familiarity with different research methodologies and statistical software such as SPSS, SAS, or Stata is also beneficial.

Some positions may require Health Services Researchers to have clinical experience or a background in a specific area of health care.

Therefore, individuals from nursing, medicine, or other health-related professions can also transition into this role.

Continuing education is important as well, as it helps researchers stay updated with the latest developments in healthcare policy, technology, and research methods.

This can be achieved through workshops, seminars, webinars, and conferences.

Many researchers also pursue a certification from professional organizations like the Association for Health Services Research (AHSR) to enhance their credibility and employability.

Finally, successful Health Services Researchers often possess excellent communication skills, as they need to present their findings to a variety of audiences, from healthcare professionals to policymakers.

 

Health Services Researcher Salary Expectations

A Health Services Researcher earns an average salary of $80,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate based on factors like the researcher’s level of education, years of experience in the field, geographic location, and the specific organization they work for.

 

Health Services Researcher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Health Services Researcher need?

Health Services Researchers need strong analytical and research skills to interpret data and draw conclusions.

They must also have excellent written and verbal communication skills to present their findings and recommendations.

Knowledge of healthcare systems, policies, and trends is crucial.

Technical skills like data analysis software proficiency may also be required.

 

Do Health Services Researchers need a degree?

Yes, Health Services Researchers typically need a master’s degree or a doctorate in health services research, public health, health administration, or a related field.

Many roles also require experience in a healthcare setting or in conducting research.

 

What should you look for in a Health Services Researcher resume?

Look for a strong educational background in a relevant field such as public health or health administration.

Experience conducting research, particularly in a healthcare setting, is crucial.

Familiarity with data analysis software or statistical tools is also valuable.

Publications in peer-reviewed journals can be a plus, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to communicate research findings effectively.

 

What qualities make a good Health Services Researcher?

Good Health Services Researchers are detail-oriented and have a strong understanding of healthcare systems and policy.

They are curious and proactive in their research, willing to ask hard questions and pursue innovative solutions.

They are also adept at interpreting complex data and presenting it in a way that is understandable and actionable for healthcare leaders.

 

What is the main objective of a Health Services Researcher?

The main objective of a Health Services Researcher is to study and analyze healthcare systems and policies, evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of different healthcare services, and use their findings to inform and influence decision-making in healthcare.

This could involve assessing patient outcomes, analyzing cost-effectiveness, studying access to healthcare, or researching the impact of certain policies or practices.

 

Is it difficult to hire Health Services Researchers?

Hiring Health Services Researchers can be challenging due to the specialized skills and education required for the role.

Additionally, there is a high demand for these professionals as healthcare organizations seek to improve their services and patient outcomes.

To attract qualified candidates, employers may need to offer competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development.

 

Conclusion

There you have it!

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate role of a health services researcher.

Surprised?

It’s not just about analyzing data.

It’s about shaping the landscape of healthcare, one research project at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive health services researcher job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to forge ahead.

But why halt your progress?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or refining your CV to the nines.

Remember:

Every piece of research is a part of the broader healthcare picture.

Let’s shape the future of healthcare. Together.

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