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Think Tank Researcher Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Think Tank Researcher information

See Minnesota salary details

$29.4K

$110.8K

$161.1K

How much do think tank researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for think tank researcher in Minnesota is $110,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $150,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Think Tank Researcher, and how does the role interact with other professionals?

A typical day for a Think Tank Researcher involves gathering and analyzing data, reviewing literature, drafting research papers or policy briefs, and sometimes presenting findings to stakeholders or the public. Researchers often collaborate closely with other team members, including senior analysts, policy experts, and external partners, to ensure work is rigorous and relevant. You may also attend meetings, participate in brainstorming sessions, and contribute to grant-writing or project proposals. This collaborative environment fosters learning and offers ample opportunities for professional development and advancement as you build expertise on key policy issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Think Tank Researcher position, and why are they important?

Thrive as a Think Tank Researcher by possessing strong analytical abilities, advanced research skills, and typically a graduate degree in a relevant field such as political science, economics, or public policy. Familiarity with data analysis software, statistical tools, and literature databases is often important, alongside experience in peer-reviewed publication or policy report writing. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help researchers effectively convey complex ideas and work within interdisciplinary teams. These capabilities are essential for conducting impactful research that informs policy decisions and drives organizational objectives.

What does a Think Tank Researcher do?

A Think Tank Researcher conducts in-depth analysis on political, economic, social, or scientific issues to provide insights and recommendations for policymakers, businesses, or the public. They gather data, write reports, and participate in discussions to influence decision-making. Their work often involves collaborating with experts, conducting interviews, and presenting findings through publications or events.

What are the most commonly searched types of Think Tank Researcher jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Think Tank Researcher jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Think Tank Researcher jobs in Minnesota? For Think Tank Researcher jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Think Tank Researcher jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Think Tank Researcher jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Think Tank Researcher job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,773 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Associate Principal, Ambulatory Strategy Intelligence

Vizient

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

$156K - $290K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

When you're the best, we're the best. We instill an environment where employees feel engaged, satisfied and able to contribute their unique skills and talents while living and working as their authentic selves. We provide extensive opportunities for personal and professional development, building both employee competence and organizational capability to fuel exceptional performance through an inclusive environment both now and in the future.

Associate Principal, Ambulatory Strategy Intelligence

The Associate Principal, Ambulatory Strategy Intelligence is a member of the Intelligence team, responsible for developing thought leadership, research, frameworks, and strategic insights that help health system leaders navigate the rapidly evolving ambulatory landscape. Serving as an ambulatory strategy expert, this role provides executive-level advisory support to health system members while partnering closely with experts across Vizient teams to advance intellectual capital.

The Associate Principal is expected to become one of Vizient's recognized thought leaders in ambulatory strategy, developing original perspectives and intellectual capital that shape member decision-making and advance the organization's point of view on the future of ambulatory care.

This is a highly client-facing role that combines research, strategic thinking, analytics, writing, facilitation, and executive communication to influence decision-making across member organizations.

Responsibilities

  • Develop original intellectual capital, thought leadership, frameworks and strategic points of view on complex ambulatory topics.
  • Lead research initiatives by developing hypotheses, selecting appropriate data sources, and integrating qualitative and quantitative evidence into actionable insights.
  • Deliver compelling presentations and facilitate executive discussions that help health system leaders make strategic decisions.
  • Build trusted advisory relationships with health system executives by anticipating complex strategic needs and translating industry trends into practical guidance.
  • Apply analytical thinking to identify emerging trends, frame complex business problems, and develop innovative solutions.
  • Manage multiple complex projects while maintaining high standards for quality, timeliness, and client impact.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor degree preferred
  • Relevant Masters degree preferred (MHA, MBA, PhD)
  • 10+ years experience
  • Experience in one or more of the following:
    • Health system strategy, with direct responsibility for ambulatory strategic planning, physician enterprise strategy, network development, or care delivery transformation (strongly preferred)
    • Healthcare strategy consulting
    • Healthcare research, intelligence, consortium, advisory, or think tank organizations
    • Healthcare executive leadership focused on ambulatory services
  • Demonstrated expertise across the ambulatory ecosystem, including physician enterprise, primary care, specialty care, ambulatory surgery, digital health, consumer access, outpatient network strategy, and emerging models of care.
  • Experience serving as a strategic advisor to executive healthcare leaders, including Chief Strategy Officers, Chief Ambulatory Officers, physician executives, service line leaders, and C-suite stakeholders.
  • Experience facilitating strategic planning sessions and executive discussions that influence organizational decision-making.

Estimated Hiring Range:

At Vizient, we consider skills, experience, and organizational needs in our compensation approach. Geographic factors may adjust the range estimate and hires typically fall below the top range. Compensation decisions are tailored to individual circumstances. The current salary range for this role is $156,500.00 to $290,100.00.

This position is also incentive eligible.

Vizient has a comprehensive benefits plan! Please view our benefits here:

http://www.vizientinc.com/about-us/careers

Equal Opportunity Employer: Females/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The Company is committed to equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender identity, ethnicity, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.