Research Associate in London

Reports to: Head of Research

Responsible for (personnel): N/A

Start date: September 2026 or ASAP thereafter

Term: Full time, one-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension.

Based in: The role is based at DMI's London office, with hybrid working in line with organisational policy. You will normally be expected to work from the London office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The role may also involve occasional international travel.

Salary: £34,000 per annum, dependent on experience, plus 5% pension contribution, 25 days annual leave, and private health insurance.

Application deadline: 23:59 on 2nd August 2026.

Application process: Applications should include an up-to-date CV and brief written responses to the application questions. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first-round interview, conducted remotely. Candidates who are successful at this stage will then be invited to complete a skills assessment ahead of an in-person second-round interview.

Interview dates (indicative): First-round: 6th August 2026, Second-round: 18th August 2026.

About DMI Development Media International (DMI) delivers media campaigns aimed at changing behaviours, promoting health and saving lives in low- and middle-income countries. We are the first organisation to scientifically demonstrate that mass media can increase life-saving behaviours. DMI has two priorities: first, to continue to generate ground-breaking research, second, to take our proven strategies to scale, improving health outcomes and saving as many lives as possible. We work across a range of health issues, including child survival, reproductive health, nutrition, hygiene, and early childhood development. DMI works in close partnership with leading experts in health, including WHO, UNICEF and LSHTM and has been funded by some of the world’s most prestigious organisations including Wellcome, DFID, Comic Relief, the Global Innovation Fund, Unorthodox Philanthropy, and the Mulago Foundation.

DMI is looking to recruit a Research Associate to join our research team in London. We welcome applications from early-career researchers with strong quantitative research and analytical skills who are interested in global health and applied research. Working closely with the Head of Research, the Research Associate will support the design, delivery, analysis, and dissemination of DMI's research and evaluation activities.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Conduct quantitative analysis of formative and evaluation data using appropriate statistical methods and software, including the analysis of randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental evaluations, and contribute to the interpretation and communication of research findings.
• Contribute to writing high-quality reports and research outputs based on data collected through DMI projects.
• With support, work with external research agencies to design and carry out surveys.
• Support research teams in DMI's national offices to plan and conduct routine research activities and other project-specific research tasks.
• Support the design of effective and rigorous evaluations, including providing technical input into monitoring and evaluation approaches during proposal development.
• Support the wider research team in communicating with, providing technical research support, and building the research capacity of colleagues and sub-contractors.
• Keeping abreast of the latest research evidence, methods, theories, and concepts relevant to DMI’s campaign topics.
• Other tasks as required by DMI.

Person specification

Required knowledge, skills and experience:

• Very strong intellectual ability, with a Master's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Practical experience with, and good working knowledge of, statistical analysis software programmes, and strong general IT skills.
• An inquisitive and open-minded approach, with demonstrated ability and willingness to learn quickly and apply new methods.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to take the initiative in identifying problems and suggesting solutions.
• Excellent writing skills in English, demonstrated through academic writing.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• The ability to understand different cultural contexts, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa.

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience:

• Language ability in French (highly desirable).
• Some practical experience of designing, monitoring, and evaluating projects.

DMI is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. DMI operates a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and is committed to the protection and safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.