Research Analyst, Global Health Communications

Locations: Seattle/Washington DC, United States (Hybrid)

About Cognition

For over two decades, our world-class team of strategists, storytellers, and researchers has driven impactful change with leading pioneers, creating a healthier, more empowered world. Our work goes beyond design; it ignites global transformation by ensuring groundbreaking health technologies and public health initiatives reach those who need them most.

We uphold the highest standards in a focused, team-oriented environment. If you can’t meet these standards (you’ve gotta have grit and ambition), please do not apply. We value our time and seek only serious, qualified candidates.

Role overview

As a Research Analyst for Global Health Communications, you will play a critical role in driving advocacy and informing policy through rigorous research and analysis. You’ll partner with scientists, innovators, and local leaders to generate evidence that shapes global health strategies, with a focus on supporting the Global Financing Facility (GFF) under a two-year secondment to the World Bank Group. Your ability to connect global and local priorities and develop impactful programs will be essential in driving change in public health.

Key responsibilities

Research & Analysis: Conduct thorough research on global health trends, stakeholder landscapes, and market environments to build investment cases and support advocacy efforts.

Evidence Generation: Collaborate with scientists and innovators to support the generation of evidence that informs policy decisions and promotes access to new health technologies.

Stakeholder Engagement: Identify and partner with global and local champions around shared advocacy goals, supporting local leaders to drive change on the ground.

Program Implementation: Develop and implement innovative programs that align global and local priorities, identifying opportunities for impactful change in public health.

Secondment Role: As a secondee under the World Bank Group’s Global Financing Facility, you will immerse yourself in a collaborative environment, bridging Cognition Studio’s expertise with GFF’s mission to improve health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

Quality Assurance: Precision is your mantra. Your work must meet the highest standards—every time. Conduct rigorous self-reviews (QA) and demand peer reviews (QC) to ensure nothing short of excellence.

Continuous Improvement: Never settle. Push your skills to stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends, tools and technologies to inject innovation into every project.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Science or Communication from a top-tier, accredited institution.
  • Eligible candidates must have legal authorization to work in the US and not require current or future visa sponsorship.
  • 3-5 years of experience in global health research, analysis, or communications.
  • Proven ability to conduct in-depth research and translate findings into actionable insights for advocacy and policy.
  • Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with global health stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, and local leaders.
  • Experience developing and implementing public health programs or policy initiatives.
  • Knowledge of global health funding mechanisms, advocacy, and policy landscapes.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced resource limited environment.
  • Familiarity with the World Bank’s Global Financing Facility or other global health funding institutions is a plus.
  • Position based in Washington DC or Seattle, with a hybrid work arrangement, combining in-office and remote work at the World Bank. Travel to/from Seattle and collaboration with the World Bank is expected.
  • Work product that showcases your process, problem-solving skills and exceptional craft across a variety of communication executions – case studies, website, data analysis, briefs, etc.
  • Exposure and experience working with communication and design strategy, UX, and information design, data visualizations to communicate complex health information.
  • References we can speak to, providing insights into your problem-solving, team dynamics, and unwavering commitment to excellence. We’re a craft-driven studio that thrives on high performers—only those who match this caliber need apply.

Requirements

  • Ability to work under secondment and work in business, health, communication and design as a primary communication researcher.
  • Disciplined time management in a time & materials environment, with rigorous time tracking as second nature. General awareness of working in a small studio environment that is resource limited.
  • A collaborative, ego-free mindset that prioritizes team success and a strong, positive team culture.
  • Proven ability to deliver top-quality work to be used in various media and platforms.
  • Exceptional collaboration skills, thriving in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Superior communication skills, capable of presenting information, data, and concepts and integrating feedback seamlessly.
  • A relentless drive for professional growth, with a commitment to continuous learning and elevating your craft.
  • Did we say that communication is a team sport? But you must be able to work independently to advance your assignments and work on multiple projects simultaneously.

What we offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits package that is focused on work harmony.
  • A unique opportunity to work with global health leaders, supporting transformative public health initiatives through a two-year secondment with the World Bank Group.
  • Exposure to a variety of projects across global health, public policy, and advocacy.
  • A collaborative, high-caliber environment that prizes innovation and relentless learning.
  • Fast-tracked professional growth within a cutting-edge, visionary team.

Join us at Cognition

Be part of a team that doesn’t just aim for strength but exemplifies excellence. Apply today to drive innovation in design and make a tangible impact in health and life sciences.

How to apply, what to expect

As a small, busy studio with limited time, we ask that candidates approach the application process thoughtfully and thoroughly. We value those who respect our time by ensuring their application is well-prepared and aligned with the role.

Please do not reach out via LinkedIn messages; to be considered, all applications must be submitted through our website.

Submit your resume, case studies, and a cover letter that showcases how you’ll elevate and thrive within our exceptional team. All applicants should ensure they qualify per these requirements and understand we are hybrid consultancy/design firm, with grit, rigor, and a fast pace work ethic with exceptionally high caliber work delivery.

Here is the process we take:

  1. We will do phone screenings. If you meet our objectives and are a good culture fit, we will run 2 interviews.
  2. Interview 1: this is a blended interview for us to validate full qualifications and understanding of requirements and for you to also learn more about the role and culture and expectations. In this interview you do show your portfolio and highlight your strengths and why you believe you will be a good fit. We also need to hear about career path, and an honest representation of where you are at and where you are going in your design development.
  3. Interview 2: deeper review of a single end-to-end case study where you present the problem, show research methods or ideation, and walk through the work solution. This interview allows you to be more clear about how you work best, team environment, and clarity for how you thrive through your work. This allows us to ensure you can plug into work and be a part of workflows and team culture quickly.
  4. Final 1:1 Q&A session with divisional head, or HR.
  5. Hiring committee selects a candidate and an offer is extended. Time to start is expected to be within a 2wk period of offer.

We will be placing this role by December, 2024.

No recruiters, please.

Application instructions

Submit your resume, case studies, and a cover letter that showcases how you’ll elevate and thrive within our exceptional team.

Submit application

Equal employment opportunity policy statement

At Cognition Studio, Inc., we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences drive innovation and excellence.

Our hiring decisions are based solely on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, HIV status, marital status, military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Instead, we actively work to create an environment where every employee feels valued and respected. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, especially those from underrepresented groups.

Join us in our mission to make a real impact in the world through design and innovation.