2025/07/03 by Kailyn E. Sitter, Aileen McGrory, Emily C. Repasky · 2 voices
Decision Sciences · Computer Science · Social Sciences · #Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration #Research Data Management Practices #Climate Change Communication and Perception
paper · doi:10.1080/08884552.2025.2559014
openalex publication_date 2025/07/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/15
Qualitative research has become an important part of the interdisciplinary and team-based field of health services research (HSR). As the number of roles for PhD anthropologists have increased, so has the availability of positions for Master’s-level anthropologists (MLAs). MLAs are mid-level researchers with expertise in qualitative inquiry, associated methods, and theoretical frameworks. MLAs bring critical and unique skills that enhance collaboration and research quality in team science, including conducting mixed methods research, project management, community engagement, and mentoring activities. However, due to existing team frameworks and institutional structures, some roles do not recognize or allow MLAs to fully use their skillsets or clearly distinguish themselves from other mid-level professionals. Overarching structures in HSR and on teams create ambiguous expectations for MLAs, limiting the full application of their expertise, and contributing to unclear, inequitable pathways to professional advancement. In this paper we describe our roles as MLAs within HSR teams, articulate the specialized skills we bring to teams, and discuss our struggle to gain recognition as experts. We also offer suggestions for how MLAs can advocate for themselves and how managers and team leads can better support MLAs and create opportunities for them to demonstrate their skills.