Qualitative Research Consultant

Base pay range $35.00/hr - $35.00/hr SH-738 Qualitative Research Consultant, Remote Summary Position Overview: Syra Health is seeking a seasoned Senior Qualitative Research Consultant to strengthen our internal capacity for community-informed research and strategic insights. This pivotal role will lead qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, and communication testing efforts across our portfolio of health equity, behavioral health, and prevention-focused contracts. The ideal candidate will be an empathetic facilitator and a rigorous analyst, dedicated to ensuring that community perspectives and qualitative evidence are integrated into the foundation of our program design, evaluation, and communication strategies. Key Responsibilities • Qualitative Research Design & Strategy • Design and implement robust qualitative study frameworks for community health assessments, program evaluations, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. • Develop comprehensive research materials, including participant recruitment screeners, discussion guides, informed consent forms, and data collection protocols. • Ensure all research activities adhere to project scopes, IRB requirements, and relevant state/federal guidelines. • Data Collection & Facilitation • Moderate focus groups, lead stakeholder listening sessions, and facilitate community engagement meetings (both virtual and in-person). • Conduct in-depth, one-on-one interviews with key informants, agency partners, and community members to capture lived experiences and local context. • Apply trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive facilitation practices in all interactions. • Analysis & Synthesis • Code and analyze qualitative data using industry-standard software (e.g., NVivo, MAXQDA). • Synthesize complex information to identify cross-cutting themes, stakeholder priorities, and actionable recommendations. • Develop compelling narrative findings, visual summaries, and insight matrices to inform client reports and internal strategic briefs. • Insight Integration & Communication • Translate qualitative findings into practical recommendations for messaging, outreach materials, and behavioral health promotion campaigns. • Collaborate closely with epidemiologists, evaluation analysts, and data visualization teams to triangulate qualitative narratives with quantitative and geospatial data. • Contribute to client-facing deliverables that clearly demonstrate how qualitative evidence directly informs program strategy and decision-making. • Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination • Support and lead engagement with local health departments, community-based organizations, and advisory groups. • Represent Syra Health professionally in stakeholder meetings and presentations of qualitative findings. • Maintain rigorous documentation of research protocols and ensure data integrity and compliance throughout the project lifecycle. Required Qualifications • Master’s degree (MPH, MS, MA) in Public Health, Behavioral Science, Social Science, Communication, or a related discipline. • Minimum of 3 years of professional experience designing and executing qualitative research studies, with at least 2 years applied in public health, health equity, or program evaluation contexts. • Demonstrated expertise in moderating focus groups and conducting in-depth interviews. • Proven strong writing and synthesis skills, with a portfolio of narrative and technical reports. • Direct experience conducting research with marginalized or priority populations (e.g., communities focused on substance use, behavioral health, 2SLGBTQIA+, or health equity). • Deep commitment to cultural competence and equity-minded research practices. Preferred Qualifications • Experience working on state or federal public health contracts (e.g., FSSA, DMHA, CDC Foundation, SAMHSA). • Specific skills in campaign message testing, outreach evaluation, and stakeholder communication. • Familiarity with health communication or behavioral science frameworks (e.g., Health Belief Model, Social Cognitive Theory). • Working knowledge of HIPAA, IRB, and CITI compliance standards. • Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary teams with quantitative data experts. Syra Health is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels. Lived experience and non-traditional backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged. Apply tot his job