Research Associate 1 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. 

The Public Health Educator assists 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 Forestry’s (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 $60,000.  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 benefits for 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 Maine is 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 beyond.  USM 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

• Master’s 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 our USM Careers Page and 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 www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.