Public Health Researcher

Alternate Titles:

Project Officer – Public Health

General role description

Public Health Researchers investigate the factors that influence health at a population level. They design and deliver research projects that inform policy, improve health services, and support better health outcomes.

In government agencies, not-for-profits, peak bodies, or advocacy organisations, their work often shapes decisions about healthcare access, prevention, and system improvement.

Key responsibilities

  • Design and conduct research projects that explore public health challenges, service models, or health outcomes
  • Collect and analyse quantitative and/or qualitative data, using tools such as surveys, interviews, and public datasets
  • Prepare research summaries, technical reports, and policy briefs that inform practice, advocacy, or decision-making
  • Contribute to the development of research proposals, ethics submissions, and funding applications
  • Work with community organisations, policy makers, or service providers to ensure research is relevant and impactful
  • Present findings to stakeholders, at conferences, or through public communication channels
  • Stay informed about emerging public health issues, data trends, and research methods
  • Support programme evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives in health or social care settings.

Workplace settings

  • Government, not-for-profit, peak body and advocacy organisations involved in research

Required qualifications

  • A degree in public health, epidemiology, health science, sociology, or a related field
  • A postgraduate qualification (e.g. MPH, MSc, PhD) is often preferred for research-intensive roles.

Other notable requirements

Public Health Researchers often require:

  • Experience designing and delivering applied research or evaluation projects
  • Skills in data analysis (quantitative and/or qualitative), using tools like R, SPSS, STATA, NVivo, or similar
  • Understanding of health equity, social determinants of health, and systems thinking
  • Ability to write clearly for different audiences, including technical and policy stakeholders
  • Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.

Common Next Roles

Senior Public Health Researcher

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