Research Healthcare Lead – Research & Strategy Full Time NEW

Clarion Partners is seeking a senior leader to head Healthcare Research, responsible for defining and driving the firm’s strategic perspective across healthcare-related real estate and operating platforms. This individual will play a critical role in shaping investment strategy, guiding capital allocation decisions, and strengthening Clarion’s competitive position in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Reporting to the Global Head of Research & Strategy, this highly visible role works closely with senior stakeholders across Portfolio Management, Transactions, Asset Management, and Client Capital Management, as well as directly with a dedicated data science team. The Healthcare Research Lead will have direct influence on investment decision-making, product development, and client engagement.

Scope and Responsibilities

Investment Strategy Leadership

• Define Clarion’s house view on healthcare real estate sectors, including medical office, life sciences, senior housing, skilled nursing, and emerging healthcare formats.
• Evaluate risk-adjusted returns across healthcare property types, geographies, care settings, and operator models.
• Translate sector insights into actionable investment theses across core, core-plus, and value-add strategies.

Sector Research & Market Intelligence

• Analyze key demand drivers, including demographics, healthcare utilization patterns, reimbursement frameworks, labor dynamics, and care delivery trends.
• In partnership with the data science and AI team, develop forward-looking market forecasts incorporating regulatory, policy, and macroeconomic considerations.
• Identify and assess structural shifts—including outpatient migration, aging demographics, and life sciences and biotech clustering—and convert them into investable themes.

Operator & Platform Analysis

• Assess the role of operating partners in value creation across healthcare assets and platforms.
• Evaluate operator performance, scalability, capitalization structures, and alignment.
• Differentiate and articulate operating risk versus real estate risk across healthcare subsectors.

Data-Driven Insights & Forecasting

• Partner closely with the data science team to develop and refine predictive models, location analytics, and portfolio-level insights.
• Identify, evaluate, and integrate new data sources (e.g., clinical, demographic, mobility, reimbursement, and policy data) to enhance investment decision-making.
• Apply advanced analytics, GIS, and big data concepts to support underwriting, market selection, and portfolio strategy.

Deal Underwriting Assumptions

• Support deal teams by developing, validating, and documenting healthcare-specific underwriting assumptions (e.g., demand drivers, payor mix, reimbursement sensitivity, labor costs, and operating margin trends) for acquisitions, developments, and platform investments.
• Benchmark key inputs versus internal portfolio performance and external market data (rent/NOI growth, occupancy, cap rates, expense inflation) and recommend appropriate base, upside, and downside cases.
• Partner with Asset Management and operating partners to stress test operating assumptions and identify leading indicators that could drive variance to underwriting.
• Provide Investment Committee-ready narratives that clearly explain the rationale, risks, and sensitivities behind core underwriting assumptions for healthcare strategies.

Thought Leadership & Client Engagement

• Produce high-impact research outputs, including quarterly outlooks, white papers, and long-form sector research.
• Serve as a key internal and external voice on healthcare investing for clients, consultants, and industry forums.
• Support capital raising and client engagement through differentiated insights and clear strategic narratives.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop junior research professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Collaborate across research verticals (e.g., industrial, residential, alternatives) to identify cross-sector themes and hybrid investment opportunities.
• Present regularly to senior leadership, investment committees, and clients to inform strategic decision-making.

Key Selection Criteria

• Experience: Minimum of 15 years of research experience in real estate investment management, investment banking, public REIT, consulting, and/or academia, with a focus on healthcare research and urban economics.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree from a leading university in real estate, finance, economics, business, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred

Professional Attributes

• Proven direct experience and a substantial background in healthcare, encompassing various healthcare sectors such as senior housing, medical office, inpatient rehabilitation, and related assets across the risk spectrum.
• Superior writing skills with a demonstrated track record of publishing high-quality real estate research reports, white papers, and industry publications.
• Excellent presentation and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical analysis and concepts to clients in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.
• Strong data analysis skills, with a solid understanding and appreciation of data science tools and platforms such as Python, Azure, GIS, and ESRI. A keen appreciation for big data analytics is essential.
• Ability to provide macroeconomic analysis, market forecasting, and strategic insights that support capital raising, client services, and investment strategy.
• Proven ability to supervise, mentor, and direct junior research analysts, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
• Willingness to travel.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to effectively present sophisticated, data-centric research to a diverse audience, including external investors and internal stakeholders, including the capacity to translate complex data and analysis into clear, actionable insights.
• Possesses strong confidence and conviction, capable of presenting to clients, executives, and stakeholders in a clear, persuasive manner.
• Rigorous in their approach to research and analysis, ensuring thorough and accurate evaluations with strong analytical and quantitative skills, with a proven track record of leveraging data to drive strategic decision-making.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and accurate completion of deliverables.
• Strong project management skills, with experience in leading and coordinating research initiatives from inception to completion with the ability to set clear goals, manage timelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve desired outcomes.
• A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to anticipate market trends and identify emerging opportunities taking a strategic approach to research and investment, with a focus on long-term value creation.
• Foster a collaborative atmosphere where team members respect and support each other, leveraging data science insights to enhance research and investment strategies.
• Possesses an inclusive leadership style fostering a positive team environment and promoting continuous learning and development.
• The ability to adapt to changing market conditions and organizational needs, demonstrating resilience and flexibility in the face of challenges.
• Someone with a humble and self-effacing nature, prioritizing team success to build strong relationships internally and with external stakeholders, ensuring a positive and productive work environment. Exhibits a forward-thinking mentality, adept at leveraging and evaluating new technology and resources to continuously enhance research and investment strategies.

Source: Clarion Partners Career Page

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