Aptive is seeking support the Mission Daybreak 2.0 contract to support VA’s Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Innovation Ecosystem. The program builds on VA’s innovation and human-centered design frameworks to rapidly test, evaluate, and scale solutions that reduce Veteran suicide. Aptive’s team will manage a portfolio of innovation projects, coordinate governance and reporting, deliver evaluation and research insights, plan stakeholder and engagement events, and support the development of scalable training and communications products.

The Research Analyst provides direct research and analytical support across the program’s innovation projects. This role engages Veterans, clinicians, and other stakeholders through interviews, usability sessions, and focus groups, ensuring that end-user perspectives are central to design and decision-making. The analyst is responsible for collecting, cleaning, and organizing both qualitative and quantitative data, then synthesizing findings into concise reports and insights for evaluation briefs, governance reviews, and project teams. They also ensure all research activities are well-documented, reproducible, and aligned with program standards. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate raw data into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Master’s degree.
• 4 years of experience in research or program evaluation.
• Proven ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Experience making recommendations for policy, program, or process improvements.

• Experience working within VA or federal healthcare research contexts.
• Familiarity with usability testing, ethnographic research, or clinical research methods.
• Strong writing and presentation skills to communicate findings clearly.

The Office of Suicide Prevention leads VA’s national strategy to reduce Veteran suicide through prevention, intervention, and postvention efforts. The VHA Innovation Ecosystem partners with OSP to accelerate promising ideas from pilot to practice across the VA healthcare system. Together, these offices foster collaboration with Veterans, clinicians, and innovators to identify effective solutions, strengthen system readiness, and improve outcomes for Veterans and their families.

Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. ​

We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. ​

Founded: 2012
Employees: 300+ nationwide

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.