Lead Researcher

Job Title: Lead Researcher
Department: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Division: Center for Population Health Data Science
Bureau: Bureau of Epidemiology Services

Location: 42-09 28th street, Long Island City, NY 11101
Reports to Title: Senior Director of Research and Evaluation
Direct Reports Title(s): Community Engagement Manager

Schedule & Hours: M-F, 9am – 5pm, 35 hours per week

Workplace Flexibility Modality: Hybrid, 3 days in office, 2 days remote
Work Environment: Office Environment

Grant End Date: 6/30/2030

Created Date: 9/9/2026

Revised Date:

Salary: $113,300

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Who We Are:

The Fund for Public Health in New York City (FPHNYC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of all New Yorkers. To this end, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), FPHNYC incubates innovative public health initiatives implemented by DOHMH to advance community health throughout the city. It facilitates partnerships, often new and unconventional, between government and the private sector to develop, test, and launch new initiatives. These collaborations speed the execution of demonstration projects, effect expansion of successful pilot programs, and support rapid implementation to meet the public health needs of individuals, families, and communities across New York City.

Our Culture:

We embrace a culture of learning, collaboration, innovation, and well-being, where open communication drives our impact.

About The Role:

Bureau of Epidemiology Services is seeking a Research Lead to support NYC-based research on gender-affirming care, health/healthcare of TGNCNB and LGBTQIA+ communities through partnerships with NYC researchers and new research initiatives. The role will focus on developing local research partnerships, co-designing and co-leading research implementation, and supervising a Community Engagement Manager.

About the Program:

The Bureau of Epidemiology Services (BES) collects, analyzes and communicates data to monitor and improve the health of New Yorkers. BES provides statistical and analytic support for public health surveillance, epidemiologic research, and program evaluations at DOHMH. BES plays a pivotal role for initiating and performing inter and intra agency collaboration projects, including acquiring data, developing study designs and methodologies, analyzing data, and disseminating findings.

Responsibilities:

• Identify NYC-based researchers and projects related to gender affirming care and/or TGNCNB and LGBTQIA+ communities using a systematic vetting process.
• Build, formalize, and manage research partnerships, including assessing financial, analytic, and technical needs.
• Manage community engagement processes, leveraging existing advisory boards or developing new community-centered structures.
• Coordinate qualitative and quantitative analytic support for local researchers and/or research projects.
• Co-design gender affirming care and/or TGNCNB-focused research projects with community-based organizations and/or NYC-based researchers, ensuring alignment with community priorities, and lead implementation research activities such as training sessions, knowledge‑building workshops, and feedback forums.
• Conduct and oversee literature reviews, meta-analyses, and knowledge management.
• Manage collaboration with community-based organizations and advocacy groups to ensure community-informed analysis and dissemination.

• Supervise a Community Engagement Manager to develop protocols for community feedback processes that reinforce trustworthiness and community ownership of results.

Requirements:

• Master’s or doctoral degree in public health, epidemiology, social sciences, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience managing research projects or mixed-methods studies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of health equity, gender-affirming care, TGNCNB health issues, or LGBTQIA+ research.
• Experience building partnerships with academic, community, or advocacy organizations.
• Familiarity with community-based participatory research.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check

Benefits:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
• Medical, dental, and life insurance with low or no employee contribution
• A retirement savings plan with generous employer contribution
• Flexible spending medical and commuter benefits plan
• Meaningful work at an organization striving to advance health equity and social justice

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

FPHNY is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

At-Will Employment Statement:

Employment with FPHNY is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Residency Requirement: You must live in the New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) to be considered for a position at FPHNY.