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Research Associate III - Job Opportunity at Public Health Institute

Remote, US
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 29, 2025
Remote
USD 64,542 - 92,421 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package with Public Health Institute recognized as top 50 "Best Non-Profit Organizations to Work For" by Non-Profit Times
Remote work flexibility with ability to work from anywhere in the United States
Professional development and growth opportunities with average employee tenure of 8.5 years
Work-life balance prioritization with "humans first, employees second" philosophy
Inclusive work environment welcoming all backgrounds and neurotypes
Travel opportunities to attend conferences and meetings primarily in California
Regular brainstorming sessions to encourage creative thinking and innovation

Key Responsibilities

Lead quantitative and qualitative media research initiatives, including strategic planning and execution of media content analysis projects that directly influence public health policy narratives and racial justice outcomes (40%)
Develop and produce high-impact written communications including research reports and presentations that shape advocacy strategies and inform policy decisions across multiple stakeholder audiences (25%)
Execute sophisticated descriptive data analyses and create compelling data visualizations that translate complex research findings into actionable insights for public health advocates (10%)
Design and implement customized database systems for media analysis projects, ensuring data integrity and analytical capability for large-scale content analysis initiatives (10%)
Provide strategic support for organizational meetings and conferences, developing presentation materials that effectively communicate research findings to diverse professional audiences (10%)
Contribute to cross-functional team collaboration and organizational knowledge sharing through active participation in strategic planning sessions and project development meetings (5%)

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or quantitative field, public health, public policy, journalism, or other related field; or substitute with four additional years of related experience

Experience

3 years of research, data analysis, or other relevant work experience

Required Skills

Strong interest in public health, media and communications, and a commitment to social justice Strong writing skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for a variety of audiences Strong attention to detail, ability to take initiative, and good organizational skills Ability to work collaboratively with other staff members and to stay focused while handling multiple assignments and priorities Experience conducting literature reviews of public health and/or social science literature Experience with or coursework on qualitative research and/or content analysis and coding Survey research experience Proficiency with doing basic descriptive data analysis Basic knowledge of databases or data collection platforms like LexisNexis, Meltwater, or Proquest Familiarity with qualitative research platforms like Atlas and Tableau preferred Experience presenting data in professional settings, or experience facilitating meetings, preferred Spanish-language ability is a plus

Certifications

MPH or other masters-level training strongly preferred
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Public health research is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increased awareness of health equity issues and social determinants of health, with particular emphasis on narrative change and media advocacy as tools for policy influence. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the power of strategic communication in advancing public health goals, creating sustained demand for professionals who can bridge research and advocacy. The intersection of media studies and public health represents an emerging specialized field, with growing recognition that traditional public health approaches must be complemented by sophisticated understanding of how media narratives shape policy outcomes. This trend is accelerating as organizations seek to address systemic health inequities through strategic communication. Remote work arrangements have become standard in research organizations, particularly in public health, as institutions recognize the benefits of accessing talent nationwide while reducing operational costs. This shift has created new opportunities for specialized researchers to work with leading organizations regardless of geographic location.

Salary Evaluation

The provided salary range of $64,542 - $92,421 is competitive for a Research Associate III position in the nonprofit public health sector, particularly considering the remote work flexibility and comprehensive benefits. This range aligns well with market rates for mid-level research positions requiring specialized skills in media analysis and public health.

Role Significance

Berkeley Media Studies Group is described as a "small, nimble team," suggesting the successful candidate will work closely with 5-10 colleagues in a collaborative environment where individual contributions have significant organizational impact.
This Research Associate III position represents a mid-level role with significant autonomy and specialized expertise requirements. The position involves leading research initiatives and contributing to strategic organizational objectives, indicating substantial responsibility beyond entry-level research support roles.

Key Projects

Large-scale media content analysis projects examining how public health issues are framed across news, marketing, and digital media platforms Policy-focused research initiatives supporting violence prevention, reproductive justice, housing equity, and immunization advocacy efforts Strategic communication research supporting narrative change initiatives around racial justice and health equity

Success Factors

Ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into compelling narratives that influence policy and advocacy strategies Strong project management skills to handle multiple concurrent research initiatives while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines Collaborative mindset essential for thriving in a small team environment where individual contributions directly impact organizational success Strategic thinking capability to understand how research findings translate into actionable advocacy and policy recommendations

Market Demand

High demand driven by increased focus on health equity, narrative change, and evidence-based advocacy in the post-pandemic era, with organizations seeking specialized expertise in media analysis and public health communication.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Qualitative research and content analysis expertise is essential as the core methodology for media studies work, requiring ability to systematically analyze and code large volumes of text and multimedia content to identify patterns and themes that inform advocacy strategies. Advanced writing and communication skills are fundamental to translating complex research findings into accessible reports and presentations that can influence diverse stakeholder audiences including policymakers, advocates, and media professionals. Data analysis proficiency, while described as "basic descriptive," must be sufficiently sophisticated to handle large datasets from media monitoring platforms and present findings through compelling visualizations that support strategic decision-making.

Beneficial Skills

Spanish language skills provide significant value given the organization's focus on health equity and California's diverse population, enabling analysis of Spanish-language media and broader stakeholder engagement. Experience with presentation and meeting facilitation enhances professional impact by enabling effective knowledge transfer and stakeholder engagement in conference and advocacy settings. Advanced familiarity with specialized platforms like Atlas and Tableau positions candidates for leadership in methodological innovation and enhanced analytical capability.

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to work at the intersection of media studies, public health research, and social justice advocacy
Position offers direct influence on narrative change strategies that impact policy outcomes at state and national levels
Remote work flexibility combined with meaningful in-person collaboration through conference travel
Access to comprehensive databases and research platforms typically available only at major research institutions

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior-level roles occurs within 3-5 years, with the organization's 8.5-year average tenure suggesting strong internal advancement opportunities and professional development support.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Associate or Research Manager positions within public health organizations Program Manager roles overseeing media advocacy initiatives Policy Analyst positions with government agencies or advocacy organizations Director-level positions in communications or research departments of public health nonprofits

Company Overview

Public Health Institute

Public Health Institute stands as one of the largest and most comprehensive public health organizations nationally, with a distinguished reputation evidenced by recognition as a top 50 nonprofit employer. The organization operates at the forefront of public health innovation with programs spanning California, national, and international initiatives.

PHI holds a leadership position in the public health nonprofit sector, with Berkeley Media Studies Group representing a specialized program that fills a unique niche at the intersection of media advocacy and public health research.
While PHI has strong California roots, this remote position allows the organization to access national talent while maintaining its focus on both state-specific and broader public health initiatives.
The organization emphasizes a "humans first" philosophy with strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating an environment that prioritizes employee well-being and professional growth over traditional hierarchical structures.
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