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, we'd 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.

We're 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 You’ll 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 You’ll Bring

Master’s 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 don’t just measure impact, we elevate community voices, inform policy, and embed equity in all we do. If you're passionate about research that creates real-world impact, we’d 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.

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Research Associate II (Hybrid)