Overview

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid, 2 days/week in office, usually Tuesday/Thursday)

Start Date: June 2026

Hours: Full-time (30-35 hours/week is also an option during a transition period)

Salary Range: Salary TBD commensurate with education and relevant experience.

The National Center for Health Research (NCHR) invites applications for a newly created Deputy Director role. This position requires a scientifically rigorous, mission-driven leader who has experience working in a leadership role on federal health policy issues and has proven expertise in translating complex medical or public health data into clear, persuasive insights that inform federal policy, health professionals, and the public.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the organization’s strategic direction, expand its national influence, and advance evidence-based health policy and the quality of medical care. It involves a key role in supervising our impressive staff, organizational strategy, external partnerships, and governance. The position is expected to grow in scope and leadership over time.

What We’re Looking For

  • PhD, MD, or equivalent in public health, epidemiology, medicine, psychology, or related field
  • Strong biostatistics and research interpretation skills
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills for scientific and general audiences
  • Experience working with federal health policies and available to work in Washington, D.C. starting June 2026 (no visa sponsorship)
  • Demonstrated ability, or clear potential, to represent a highly visible nonprofit organization
  • Collaborative mindset, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to scientific integrity

Key Responsibilities

  • Analyze and interpret research for clinical and policy relevance
  • Lead and contribute to high-impact writing, including policy briefs, public-facing materials, and public comments to federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
  • Represent NCHR by actively participating in national meetings, coalition building, and oral presentations at federal advisory committees
  • Supervise and mentor a team of researchers and public health/public policy experts
  • Collaborate closely with NCHR’s president on strategy, partnerships, organizational priorities, and long-term planning

Why This Role Is Unique

NCHR has a long-standing reputation for influencing national conversations on healthcare quality, patient safety, and the use of evidence in policy decisions. The Deputy Director will help amplify this impact—shaping how research informs regulatory decisions, media narratives, and public understanding across the United States.

To apply, please submit the following to Ava Marshall at avm@center4research.org:

  • Your resume or CV
  • A cover letter explaining how your expertise aligns with our mission, your available start date, and salary expectations.

No calls, please.

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About National Center for Health Research

The National Center for Health Research conducts, analyzes, and explains the latest research and works with patients, consumers, and opinion leaders to use that information to improve their own health and to develop better programs, policies, and services. We do not accept funding from companies that make the treatments or products that we evaluate or study.