Associate Research Scientist (2025-06)

Job Description

Prevention Research Center (PRC; prev.org ) is based in Berkeley, CA, and also has offsite workers in various parts of the USA. Founded as a National Alcohol Research Center focusing on environmental approaches to prevention of alcohol-related problems and continuously funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, it is one of five centers of the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, which is celebrating 50 years of inquiry into the public health and well-being of varied communities. PRC and PIRE more generally have a significant national presence in the area of applied science, with funded research projects on prevention, treatment, and policy research. PRC scientists and practitioners continually focus on the design and implementation of complex program evaluation strategies and the conduct of research related to health and social issues. PIRE practitioners and scientists provide training and technical assistance in many health-related areas to states and communities that are attempting to improve public health. For more information about PRC, please visit prev.org and for more information about PIRE please see pire.org .

PRC, along with its parent organization Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), is seeking early career investigators and evaluators to join our team. This opportunity is open to early career investigators and evaluators who wish to develop their research program while enhancing PIRE's growing portfolio, including research in areas such as: health, mental health, and substance use; child welfare; education; criminal justice; public policy; state, county, and community partnerships and program evaluation.

PIRE is a soft-money research organization. This independence and freedom come with the responsibility of seeking and securing one’s own funding, in collaboration with others. As part of your CV and introduction letter, please share a brief description of your research interests and potential funders.

Successful applicants will be expected to pursue their own research while collaborating with other PIRE scientists in areas of mutual interest. Current or recent funding from NIH, SAMHSA, and/or other federal or state agencies is desired but not required. PIRE is prepared to assist researchers who submit applications with limited startup funding, mentorship, administrative assistance, and collaborative scientific support. Employment is contingent upon successful awards.

PIRE is an independent, nonprofit organization merging scientific knowledge and proven practice to create solutions that improve the health, safety and well-being of individuals, communities, tribes, and nations around the world. For full-time researchers and evaluators, we have excellent health coverage, a retirement plan and flexible work arrangements available to support our nationally recognized institution of independent scientists.

Benefits Overview

• 3.5-7 weeks of accrued PTO during the first year
• Company provided Retirement Plan
• Company provided Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment of $100k
• Company provided Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
  
  

We invite a CV and letter of introduction from early career investigators who have:

• Strong skills in project management, research collaboration, and proposal development.
• A track record of relevant publications; and
• Experience writing grant and/or proposal applications for NIH, SAMHSA and/or other agencies that fund scientific research.
  
  

PIRE has a strong commitment to research dissemination and moving science to practice and practice to science. The implementation of our work is demonstrated in peer-reviewed journal articles, reports for government and lay audiences and professional presentations. Documentation of PIRE’s capabilities and work in these areas can be found on PIRE’s website (www.pire.org).

We look forward to talking with you about your interests and how your research can grow with PRC and PIRE.

To apply for this position, visit https://pirecareers.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/285

PIRE is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer

PIRE is a diverse community devoted to the promotion and acceptance of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, gender or physical ability or veteran status. PIRE is committed to employ, and advance in employment, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, and to treat qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of their physical or mental disability or veteran status.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

PIRE will provide reasonable accommodations with the application process upon your request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact Human Resources by email at hr@pire.org

Auto req ID

443740BR

Minimum Education Required

Masters

Job_Category

Research

Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities

Job Requirements

• Master’s Degree, an advanced degree (e.g., M.D., Ph.D., J.D.) or equivalent experience
• The ability to work for any US employer
  
  

City*

Berkeley

State*

California

Job Code

Behavioral_Health Behavioral Health

Affiliate Sponsor

Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation