Research Associate II (Hybrid)

Are you passionate about leveraging research and evaluation to improve lives and strengthen communities Do you enjoy combining qualitative and quantitative methods to answer complex questions and inform policy programs and decision-making If so wed love to hear from you.

At Vital Research we believe data is most powerful when it drives positive social impact. We partner with government agencies nonprofits foundations and community organizations to evaluate programs and generate insights that advance health equity education aging services supports for people with disabilities and community well-being.

Were seeking a curious analytical and mission-driven Research Associate II to join our collaborative team and contribute to high-impact projects.

While all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply preference will be given to candidates based in or near Los Angeles due to collaboration and business needs.

About the Role

The Research Associate II plays a key role in the management and execution of multi-sector research and evaluation projects. Operating with a degree of independence this role leverages qualitative and quantitative research methods to lead project activities analyze data develop reports and present findings that inform programs policy and practice while collaborating with clients stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative hybrid work environment brings consulting experience enjoys working with diverse communities and stakeholders and is passionate about translating data into actionable insights that create real-world impact.

What Youll Do

Lead Research and Evaluation Projects

• Manage multiple research and evaluation projects from planning through final deliverables.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and project partners.
• Coordinate project timelines budgets communications and deliverables.
• Ensure research activities meet quality standards and project objectives.
• Support business development efforts including proposal writing and client relationship management.

Conduct Mixed-Methods Research

• Design and implement surveys interviews focus groups and other data collection activities.
• Support participant recruitment and stakeholder engagement efforts including outreach to diverse and hard-to-reach populations.
  
• Manage clean and organize quantitative and qualitative datasets.
• Maintain data integrity confidentiality and compliance with research protocols.

Analyze Data and Communicate Findings

• Conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative analyses using appropriate methodologies.
• Develop charts dashboards visualizations and other tools to support data interpretations.
• Prepare reports presentations literature reviews and client-facing deliverables.
• Translate complex findings into clear actionable recommendations.

Contribute to Team Success

• Mentor junior staff and support team development.
• Supervise field staff consultants and project team members as needed.
• Contribute to proposal development business development initiatives and client relationship management.
• Participate in professional development conferences publications and knowledge-sharing activities.

What Youll Bring

• Masters degree in a social science field (e.g. education gerontology public health sociology psychology or a related discipline).
• 4 years of post-graduate experience in research and/or evaluation experience.

• Expertise in mixed-methods research including survey design qualitative research and large-scale data analysis

• Proficiency with statistical software such as SPSS SAS R Stata and survey platforms.

• Strong project management and client-facing consulting experience.

• 
  Excellent written verbal and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex findings to varied audiences.
• Ability to multitask prioritize assignments and independently manage workflows across multiple projects.
• Flexible adaptable and committed to equity community-based research and impact-driven work.
• Experience with Medicaid programs public health or Health & Human Services research strongly preferred.

• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.

Why Join Vital

• Conduct meaningful work that improves programs policies and community outcomes.
• Work across diverse projects in public health education aging and disabilities.
• Collaborate with experienced researchers and mission-driven professionals.
• Opportunities for professional growth publishing conference participation and ongoing learning.
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid work environment with up to 20% travel.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical dental vision flexible vacation and work hours 401(k) after one year EAP and annual professional development stipend.

Apply Today

At Vital Research we dont just measure impact we elevate community voices inform policy and embed equity in all we do. If youre passionate about research that creates real-world impact wed love to hear from you.

To apply by June 25 2026 please submit:

• Resume/CV
• Brief cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the role.
• One writing sample such as:

• A client-facing report or large-scale survey project report or

• • A peer-reviewed article (applicant must be the primary author)

Vital Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Required Experience:

Senior IC