The Research Associate (RA) in Health shall work in close collaboration with the Manager of the Planning and Community Health Center and others across APA departments to develop and undertake applied research and projects related to planning and public health. Main subject areas of focus include active living, food systems, and cross-sector/policy work. Key skills include research synthesis, writing, and communications.

Duties

• Applied Research:
  • Lead or assist applied research in the following areas: health impact assessment in planning; healthy communities metrics; student mentoring across sectors; parks and recreation; food systems
  • Assist with development of technical assistance tools and trainings
  • Contribute to and promote communications about research products
  • Plan and lead meetings to update and receive feedback on projects under RA’s responsibility
  • Research and writing assistance on other projects as assigned
• Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with staff in the Planning and Community Health Center and other APA staff to identify, develop, and submit proposals for new projects
  • Collaborate with staff and members to develop and support a healthy communities interest group
  • Work with staff across APA departments to research and write articles for APA media outlets, develop and moderate conference sessions, participate in the enhancement of web resources, and help develop digital library resources
  • Provide assistance with planning and executing events including national conference, webinars, group trainings, and regular meetings among project staff
  • Submit proposals to and present at conferences, meetings, and other venues

Required qualifications

• Graduate degree in Planning
• Training and/or work experience in public health
• Training and/or work experience in project management
• Excellent critical thinking, analytical, research, writing, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to coordinate tasks using processes that are collaborative, transparent, fair, and efficient
• Two years of work experience
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically for site visits, meetings, and trainings

This full time, exempt position is based in APA’s Washington, DC office.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter with subject RA – Health to aricklin@planning.org. Please limit your cover letter to one page.