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What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Rural Health Research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Rural Health Research, you need a solid background in public health, epidemiology, or health services research, often with an advanced degree such as an MPH or PhD. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R), geographic information systems (GIS), and research ethics certifications is typically required. Strong communication, cultural competency, and collaboration skills help you engage rural communities and stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure rigorous, relevant research that addresses the unique health challenges and disparities faced by rural populations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in rural health research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in rural health research often encounter challenges such as limited access to reliable data, geographical barriers, and smaller sample sizes. These can make gathering meaningful insights more complex compared to urban settings. Building strong relationships with local communities, collaborating with rural healthcare providers, and leveraging technology for remote data collection are effective strategies to address these obstacles. Additionally, securing funding and advocating for rural health priorities can help ensure research efforts have a meaningful impact.

What is the difference between Rural Health Research vs Public Health Research?

AspectRural Health ResearchPublic Health Research
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or doctoral degree in public health, health sciences, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often requiring advanced degrees in public health, epidemiology, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in rural clinics, community settings, or research institutions focusing on rural populationsIn diverse settings including urban, rural, government agencies, and academic institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by healthcare organizations, government agencies, and research institutions focusing on rural health issues
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared to public health research due to overlapping goals and methodologies

Rural Health Research and Public Health Research share many similarities, including required credentials and work environments. However, Rural Health Research specifically focuses on health issues affecting rural populations, while Public Health Research covers a broader range of health topics across various settings.

What is rural health research?

Rural health research is the study of health issues, outcomes, and systems that specifically affect people living in rural areas. This field focuses on understanding the unique challenges faced by rural populations, such as limited access to healthcare, provider shortages, and higher rates of certain diseases. Researchers in this area aim to identify disparities, evaluate interventions, and inform policies that can improve health equity for rural communities. Their work often involves interdisciplinary approaches and partnerships with local organizations to address the complex health needs in rural settings.
Infographic showing various Rural Health Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 82% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution.
Research Associate I - Public Health Research - DC Hybrid Office

Research Associate I - Public Health Research - DC Hybrid Office

NORC at the University of Chicago

Washington, DC • On-site

$56K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Research Associate I - Public Health Research - DC Hybrid Office

Apply now Job no: 503824 Work type: Regular Full-Time Location: Washington, DC Capability Area: Public Health

JOB SUMMARY:

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a Research Associate I to support the Public Health Research Department. The Public Health Research team conducts work on a variety of public health topics including disease surveillance, health communication science, interpersonal conflict and violence, rural health, and social determinants of health.

Location: This is a hybrid role based in our Washington, DC office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office.

DEPARTMENT:  PUBLIC HEALTH

The Public Health Research team conducts work on a variety of public health topics including disease surveillance, health communication science, health promotion, interpersonal conflict and violence, rural health, and social determinants of health. Our team includes prominent health policy experts, nationally recognized public health researchers with general and specialized expertise in areas such as rural health and tribal issues, health communications, skilled methodologists, and leaders in the field of survey design and implementation. Our staff also brings expertise in populations of special interest and the intersection of public health and health care delivery. We offer broad, multidisciplinary experiences spanning public health, epidemiology, statistics, policy, developmental psychology, economics, sociology, social work, and political science.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide general research support related to public health and health policy research.
  • Conduct literature reviews, statistical analysis of primary and secondary data and prepare memos, tables, and graphs based on findings under supervision of experienced professionals.
  • Take notes at meetings and prepare initial draft of minutes.
  • Schedule and take notes at virtual/in-person interviews.
  • Develop project materials, such as report outlines, visual exhibits for reports, and serve as an editor for deliverables.
  • Support survey data collection activities, including instrument testing, ongoing data review, and data cleaning.
  • Support business development efforts through coordination of document preparation.
  • Under the direction of senior staff, support the development of new business by conducting background research on programs, award history, and agency goals and objectives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
  • Bachelors' Degree in Public Health, Social Sciences or 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.
  • Basic knowledge of the principles, processes, and methods of quantitative and/or qualitative research through reading literature and experience in the field.
  • Must have effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must have strong attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to multi-task.
  • Must be able to work collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Strong proficiency with MS Office software.
  • Occasional travel for site visits and meetings may be required.
  • This is a hybrid role based in our Washington, DC 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 NORC'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 candidate'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 we'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.

#LI-DNI

Advertised: May 7, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close:

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