Research Associate II

Georgia State University

At the Georgia Health Policy Center (GHPC), we approach our work with a passion for being excellent, to positively impact people’s lives, and to find creative and innovative ways to learn and fulfill our goals. We are growing, and we are thrilled that you are interested in being a part of our team. We are surrounded by individuals empowered to use their expertise and talents to achieve our mission to integrate research, policy, and programs to advance health and wellbeing.

Georgia Health Policy Center, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.

• A knowledge-sharing organization that collaborates with diverse partners.
• A flexible work environment.
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship.
• Competitive base salary.
• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
• A rapidly growing center within an academic setting.

The RA II is a critical contributor to research, evaluation, and programmatic initiatives, including technical assistance and policy development, depending on the scope of work. The RA II will provide research and project support that contributes to a scientifically sound background for center activities. This position will initially support evaluation work in the Center of Excellence, specifically the evaluation of a state-funded mental health initiative, to include the Intensive Customized Care Coordination and high‑fidelity wraparound programs.

This role is data‑intensive and evaluation-focused, with primary responsibility for analyzing organizational‑level performance data from partners. While most work centers aggregate data and system‑level insights, you may also engage with person‑level data on select projects, given our matrixed structure.

You will serve as the first point of reference for data insights, translating findings into actionable recommendations and supporting efforts to digitize and automate workflows for greater efficiency. This position requires a self‑starter who can add value from Day 1 with minimal onboarding.

This is an Atlanta‑based in‑office position.

• Lead quarterly evaluative data cycles: validate submissions, perform quality assurance checks, and maintain data dictionaries.
• Conduct program evaluation using implementation science frameworks to assess fidelity, adoption, and outcomes.
• Perform advanced quantitative analyses using Excel (expert level), R, and/or SPSS; design repeatable reporting pipelines.
• Develop reporting artifacts (dashboards, briefs, executive summaries) that clearly communicate performance trends and implications.
• Digitize and automate workflows (Qualtrics-based processes, survey logic, embedded triggers) to reduce manual burden.
• Navigate relational databases and design queries to integrate multi‑source data.
• Translate complex analyses into clear narratives for stakeholders and leadership.
• Stay current on public health research and propose innovative modalities to improve program impact.
• Contribute to publication efforts and evidence translation when appropriate.
• Maintain compliance with data governance and privacy standards.

• Advanced quantitative analysis and program evaluation skills.
• Program evaluation theory, logic model development, and outcomes measurement.
• Familiarity with implementation science frameworks and evidence‑based practice.
• Proficiency with data collection, database management, and demonstrated ability to perform complex data analysis using Excel and other statistical or programming tools (e.g., SPSS, SAS, Stata, R, Python).
• Experience with Qualtrics for survey design and workflow automation.
• Ability to navigate databases, design queries, and harmonize data sources.
• Strong writing and reporting skills, with the ability to narrate findings and implications clearly.
• Excellent time management, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining high‑quality customer service.

• Master's degree and one year of related experience; or a combination of education and related experience.

• 3-7+ years of experience in program evaluation and/or implementation science.
• Advanced Excel proficiency; experience with R/SPSS and Qualtrics.
• Experience with electronic health record‑derived datasets, organizational‑level performance data, and occasional person‑level data.
• Experience contributing to published research or evaluation reports.
• Strong project ownership and ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast‑paced environments.

Andrew Young School of Policy Studies,

Location:

Atlanta Campus