Qualitative Research Scientist

We're looking for a Qualitative Research Scientist (Operations Research Specialist) to lead qualitative research efforts supporting the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grant. In this role, you’ll design and implement research methodologies to assess how COVID-19 and post-COVID conditions impact public health, health equity, and workforce capacity. Your insights will help shape policies, drive program evaluation, and inform decision-making at the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). You'll also serve as a key resource, providing technical expertise to internal teams and external partners.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Health Systems and Workforce Intelligence, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the Quadruple Aim of better care, affordable care, resilient health workforce, and better population health. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare in Washington, where every effort counts towards building healthier, more equitable communities.

Option 1: Eight years of professional experience in qualitative research management and analysis in a public health setting. 

Option 2: Master’s degree in public health, Health Services Research, Public Policy, Sociology, or a related field with five (5) years of experience in qualitative research management and analysis.

AND the following:

• Proficiency in leading focus groups and conducting interviews.
• Experience developing qualitative data collection instruments, including in collaboration with others.
• Expertise in qualitative data analysis methods, including thematic analyses, narrative analysis, and grounded theory.
• Proficiency in one or more qualitative data management tools (e.g. NVivo, ATLAS.ti). 
• Proficiency in coding and leading codebook development.

• Experience translating complex data into actionable insights for public health impact.

About Washington State Department of Health

Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide information to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. To accomplish all of these, we collaborate with many partners every day. We help ensure a safer and healthier Washington by: Working to improve health through disease and injury prevention, immunization, and newborn screening Providing health and safety information, education and training so people can make healthy choices Promoting a health and wellness system where we live, learn, work, play and worship Addressing environmental health hazards associated with drinking water, food, air quality and pesticide exposure Protecting you and your family by licensing healthcare professionals, investigating disease outbreaks and preparing for emergencies

Connections working at Washington State Department of Health