Assistant Policy Research, Duke Margolis Institute Hybrid (Washington DC or Durham NC)

Assistant Policy Research, Duke Margolis Institute Hybrid

Work Arrangement:
Hybrid (On-Site and Remote mix)

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710 Personnel Area: UNIVERSITY Date:
Jul 27, 2026

The Robert J. Margolis, MD, Institute for Health Policy at Duke University (Duke-Margolis) seeks to address critical health policy challenges and improve health, health equity, and the value of health care through practical, innovative, and evidence-based policy solutions.

Duke-Margolis has openings for two Assistant Policy Research Directors to join the Institute's Health Care Transformation research team, with a primary focus on health care delivery and payment reform at the federal and state levels. These positions are responsible for developing major components of research and policy analysis for Duke-Margolis through management of portfolios of health policy projects within specialized areas of expertise in health care transformation topics ranging from primary care to specialty care to risk-based care models across payers.

An Assistant Policy Research Director provides substantial subject matter leadership in managing the execution of complex research and policy projects within a portfolio area, including engagement with high-level government and private-sector entities. This position level actively drives portfolio development and regularly interacts with project funders, collaborators, stakeholders, Duke University faculty, and senior Duke-Margolis leadership to develop the strategic plan for the portfolio, manage successful execution of research and policy projects, and advance efforts to identify and secure research funding.

Duke-Margolis has offices in both Washington, DC and on Duke's main campus in Durham, NC. Washington, DC is the preferred location for this position as substantial components of the work will be in-person in the DC area. Employees are currently working in a hybrid capacity with a combination of teleworking locally to the base office area (DC/MD/VA or NC, respectively) and in-person team collaboration.

Lead a content-specific portfolio of research and policy projects at the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy. Plan and manage execution of the portfolio with responsibility for project timelines, budgets, financial management, and contractual obligations; develop and monitor staffing plans to ensure successful project completion.

Provide substantial subject matter expertise in specialized areas of health policy to advance research goals, specifically in areas of health care transformation such as state and federal health care delivery and payment reform, health equity, and models improving care for specific populations.

Collaborate or contribute on projects in other areas of the Institute as applicable that may focus on topics including but not limited to: biomedical innovation, medical product development, real-world data and evidence, regulatory science, medical device and pharmaceutical policy, global health, and the intersection of scientific and regulatory advancement with broader US health policy reforms.

Contribute substantial expertise and skill in planning research, designing and conducting qualitative and/or quantitative analyses, and writing for both technical and non-technical audiences. Provide guidance to research teams' work in research, outlining, drafting, and editing of project materials. Ensure quality, accuracy, and clarity of project deliverables.

Interact with internal and external collaborators including government agencies, research and/or policy organizations, and health systems to gather and disseminate information and to build and expand working relationships. Collaborate with senior researchers, faculty, and external collaborators to write white papers, peer-reviewed publications, policy memos, and other related research and policy deliverables.

Represent Duke-Margolis at events and conferences to disseminate research findings; begin to develop recognition as an expert in the portfolio focus area and as a spokesperson for the Institute. Monitor content areas of significance to the research portfolio, remaining up to date on current developments and identifying areas of potential collaboration or synergy within the Institute and with external partners.

Develop strategic plans for project-related convening events (e.g., expert round tables, workshops, conference panels, seminars, large-scale public events), including identification of proposed speakers or panelists, content, work plans, and meetings. Oversee implementation and execution. Track and manage progress to achieve project milestones, deliverables, and timeline goals through collaboration with colleagues, subcontractors/vendors, and external stakeholders. Coordinate internal and external communication as needed for team projects.

Interact with sponsors to advance project deliverables, ensure productive communication and clarity in expectations, and maintain positive relationships.

Work with Institute senior researchers,…