Public health research administrators oversee the daily operations of public monitoring and assessment programs. They will establish financial accounts, review research proposals and sponsor data collection projects. They will most likely work with city, county and state Departments of Health to share information, communicate updates and collaborate programs.
Employment Requirements
Public health research administrators will need a least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level employment. Their work history must reflect experience in public administration. Ideally, they will have experience with public health policies, procedures and plans. They should know how to implement programs and provide overall direction for public health services, budgets, funds, resources and employees. Public health research administrators must know how to meet goals and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
They should have direct experience in evaluating public programs, starting projects, interpreting research, conducting studies and analyzing health trends. Public health research administrators must know how to understand qualitative and quantitative health data in order to synthesize conclusions, develop strategies and advise department officials on research concerns. Staff supervision skills are needed to assign, review, discipline, recommend, terminate and manage employees.
Employment Duties
Public health research administrators will plan, coordinate and evaluate specific research programs and operations. They may prepare grant applications, supervise funding allocations and review budget expenditures. Negotiating third-party research contracts and agreements are common duties. Public health research administrators develop customized procedures for research projects based on standardized policies. They will prepare and share financial, statistical, narrative and analytical reports. Public health research administrators coordinate research activities with other public health agencies and divisions.
They may serve on many committees and advisory groups to provide technical support and advice. Public health research administrators may coordinate research staff training, performance reviews and financial reports. When necessary, they may develop and conduct special studies and public health investigations. For example, a local disease outbreak may require them to work with scientists, epidemiologists and medical professionals to collect, interpret and publish public health data.
Master of Public Health
This degree comes in a variety of academic flavors. For example, the two most common degrees are the Master of Public Health and the Master of Public Administration. The MPH offers specific training in health policy, knowledge and management to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers. This degree will work well for anyone who wants to move forward into a career in public health services, policy or management. The MPH is the universally recognized professional credential for public health leaders.
Some degrees focus on epidemiology, health promotion, environmental health and health services research. A public health research degree is the best choice for a future public health research administrator. This degree will produce professionals who can understand data, generate ideas, interpret research and make effective decisions. Students in this degree program will learn about research design, field activities, health informatics, experimental analysis and data management. This degree specialization will provide students with a strong understanding of research methods, epidemiology tools, surveillance practices and statistical mathematics.
Related Resource: What is a Director of Community Health?
Public health research administrators provide the public and the government with access to health research and evaluation data that is vital to the development of public health programs, services and policies. According to the Department of Labor, a master’s in public health is the standard degree for managers and administrators who deal with community services.