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Public Health Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CORE JOB SUMMARY The Senior Research Associate 2, SOM ensures that the operations of the assigned ... or public health. This position supports the implementation of high-impact, community-engaged ...

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Public Health Research Associate information

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How much do public health research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for public health research associate in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Public Health Research Associate vs Epidemiologist?

AspectPublic Health Research AssociateEpidemiologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related fieldMaster's or Doctorate in Epidemiology or Public Health
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, public health agencies, universitiesResearch institutions, government health departments, academia
Employer & Industry UsagePublic health organizations, NGOs, research firmsHealth departments, research institutes, academia
Common Search & ComparisonPublic Health Research Associate vs Epidemiologist

Public Health Research Associates typically hold bachelor's or master's degrees and work in research settings supporting public health projects. Epidemiologists usually have advanced degrees and focus on studying disease patterns and causes. Both roles are vital in public health but differ in scope, education, and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Health Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Health Research Associate, you need a strong background in epidemiology, statistics, and research methodology, typically supported by a degree in public health or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software like SPSS, SAS, or R and experience with data collection and analysis tools are commonly required. Strong written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and collaborative problem-solving skills help you excel in diverse research teams. These competencies ensure accurate data analysis, effective communication of findings, and the advancement of impactful public health initiatives.

What are some common challenges faced by Public Health Research Associates when conducting fieldwork?

Public Health Research Associates often encounter challenges such as engaging hard-to-reach populations, ensuring data accuracy, and adhering to ethical guidelines during fieldwork. They may also face logistical issues like coordinating with community organizations, managing multiple projects, and working in diverse environments. Overcoming these challenges requires strong communication skills, cultural competence, and adaptability, as well as close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and local stakeholders.

What are Public Health Research Associates?

Public Health Research Associates are professionals who support the design, implementation, and analysis of research projects aimed at improving public health outcomes. They typically collect and analyze data, assist with grant writing, and collaborate with other health professionals to address public health issues such as disease prevention, health education, and policy development. Their work helps inform evidence-based decisions and contributes to the advancement of public health practice and policy.
More about Public Health Research Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Health Research Associate jobs? Cities with the most Public Health Research Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Health Research jobs? The most popular types of Public Health Research jobs are:
What states have the most Public Health Research Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Health Research Associate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Health Research Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Health Research Associate jobs are:
Infographic showing various Public Health Research Associate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Research Associate I - Health Care Programs Research - Chicago Loop Hybrid Office

Research Associate I - Health Care Programs Research - Chicago Loop Hybrid Office

NORC at the University of Chicago

Chicago, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY: NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a Research Associate I to join the Health Care Programs Research Department. The Health Care Programs team provides data-driven research, policy and program analysis, and technical assistance to a mix of clients including federal and state governments and foundations. Location: This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago Loop office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office.

DEPARTMENT: Health Care Programs Research NORCโ€™s Health Care Programs team provides a wide array of services and expertise to support federal and state government and foundation clients in addressing health system transformation and delivery, payment reform and implementation, and a range of policy issues facing public health insurance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace coverage. NORCโ€™s expert staff has extensive knowledge of all aspects of health care delivery, from private marketplaces and employer-sponsored insurance to Medicare and Medicaid; from large health care systems to small clinics; and from the needs of children to those of older adults, and people with disabilities. Our expert team includes social scientists that acquire, collect, and analyze data from health care organizations and patients; evaluators; health services researchers; health-policy analysts; and professionals with first-hand experience running and supporting health care programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide general research support related to health policy research and technical support. Conduct literature reviews, environmental scans, statistical analysis of primary and secondary data and prepares memos, tables, and graphs based on findings under supervision of experienced professionals. Take notes at meetings and prepare initial draft of minutes.

Develop project materials, such as report outlines, visual exhibits for reports, and serving as an editor for deliverables. Support business development efforts through coordination of document preparation and reproduction. Under the direction of senior staff, support the development of new business by conducting background research on programs, award history, and client goals and objectives.

Perform other duties as assigned. REQUIRED SKILLS: Bachelor's Degree from accredited college or university in Social Science, Public Health, Health Policy, or a related field. 6 months of research experience (internships included) in health research, public health, health policy with qualitative and/or quantitative methods and analysis required.

Some understanding of public health insurance programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. Understanding of routine sampling procedures and working knowledge of statistical software packages (SAS, SPSS, NVivo, Tableau, etc.) preferred. Must demonstrate effective workplace competencies, including: Effective problem solving skills Adaptability and willingness to work on multiple projects simultaneously Strong written and verbal communications Attentiveness to detail Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team Proficiency with MS Office/M365 applications.

Occasional travel for site visits and meetings may be required. This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago Loop office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office. Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.

We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Please include a Resume and Cover Letter when applying. Candidates should be prepared to provide professional references and a writing assignment upon request.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: The pay for this position is $56,000. This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORCโ€™s comprehensive benefits program.

Benefits include, but are not limited to: Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment Dental and vision insurance A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program Group life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance Benefits that promote work/life balance, including generous paid time off, holidays; paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). NORC is committed to equity and transparency in its pay practices. We publish salary ranges and benefit information for every job.

The listed hiring range reflects what we, in good faith, expect to pay at the time of posting, though actual compensation may vary and may be adjusted over time. A candidateโ€™s placement within the range depends on factors such as competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and organizational needs. WHAT WE DO: NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions.

Since 1941, our teams have conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with us to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge. WHO WE ARE: For over 80 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, moving the needle with research methods, technical applications and groundbreaking research findings.

But our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality have remained constant components of who we are as a brand, and who each of us is as a member of the NORC team. With world-class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people join for the stellar research and analysis work for which weโ€™re known, and stay for the relationships they form with their colleagues who take pride in the impact their work is making on a global scale. EEO STATEMENT: NORC is an equal opportunity employer.

NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, and other legally protected characteristics.