Research Associate I Public Health Educator

The Catherine Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine in partnership with the Maine CDC is seeking a Research Associate I: Public Health Educator.

ThePublic Health Educatorassists with the development and distribution of environmental health messages and materials for a variety of audiences using health communication best practices primarily about Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The Public Health Educator will work with Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestrys (DACF) PFAS Response Program team to develop educational materials about PFAS in agricultural soils water plants and animals and will deliver those materials to appropriate audiences. The Public Health Educator will work with the Maine CDC Toxicology Unit team to develop evaluate and update health communication materials related to PFAS and will distribute those materials to impacted residents and clinical audiences.

This position:

• Collaborates with content experts to develop test and disseminate public health information through a variety of channels including mass media web-based interpersonal and community channels.
• Conducts formative process and summative evaluations including literature reviews research (e.g. interviews surveys focus groups) activity tracking and other quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods.
• Supports the communication and outreach initiatives of partner public health agencies organizations and educational programs to reach common high-risk segments of the population and to achieve common goals.
• Advances the field of health education by planning implementing and evaluating public health educational activities using accepted methods and disseminating results through publications in professional literature and participation in professional meetings.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to develop plain language messages about complex information.
• The ability to gather synthesize and summarize a variety of information.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of disseminating health education information effectively.
• Demonstrated skill in applying best practices and standards for health communication page layout and information design.
• Skilled in writing and developing digital content for various platforms.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners.
• Skilled in use of standard computer software packages including Microsoft Office programs and graphic design software.
• Able to give presentations about basic program information and to conduct trainings for a variety of audiences.
• Able to work on multiple projects consecutively while maintaining accuracy paying attention to detail and meeting project deadlines.
• Able to function effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to translate complex scientific or regulatory information into plain language and actionable messages.
• Demonstrated skill using relevant software such as Microsoft Office products presentation programs Adobe Creative products (e.g. Dreamweaver InDesign Photoshop Acrobat) and others as needed.
• Possess an attitude that fosters a respectful non-threatening workplace environment.

This is a grant funded position with a starting annual salary up to $60000. This is a full-time hybrid remote position with in-office days at the Maine CDC building in Augusta.

The University of Southern Maine offers highly competitive benefitsfor full-time and eligible part-time employees that includes (but is not limited to):

• 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation time and sick time.
• Health dental and vision insurance.
• Low-cost short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance.
• A tuition waiver program for employees and their spouse or dependent child(ren).
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Free access to the METRO system including the Husky Line with service between our Portland and Gorham campuses.

To learn more please review the Benefits Information Summary.

The University of Southern Maineis a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland Maine area including campuses in Portland Gorham Lewiston and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing hands-on learning community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment USM is a steward of higher education helping drive the economic cultural and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM visit About Our University.

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives enhancing teaching learning personal growth and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care Integrity Equity and Responsiveness.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Masters Degree in Public Health with a focus on health communication or health promotion or equivalent experience in a closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years work experience in the health education field with experience in social marketing and evaluation of materials campaigns and programs.

To apply click on the Apply Now button below or visit ourUSM Careers Pageand submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of the names and contact information for references.

For full consideration please submit all required materials by May 27 2026.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law the System does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex sexual orientation transgender status gender gender identity or expression ethnicity national origin citizenship status familial status ancestry age disability (physical or mental) genetic information pregnancy or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education programs and activities and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall Room 412 Orono ME 04469-5713 by calling 207.581.1226 or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at Act

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