Research Associate (India)

Position Summary

Application Deadline: April 6th, 2025

Start date: As soon as possible

Hours: Full time

Location: India (Central Region)

Language Requirements: Full professional proficiency in English and Hindi

Salary: Between ₹30 lakh and ₹33 lakh

How to apply: Fill out this application form

Contact: hiring@leadelimination.org

About LEEP

LEEP is an impact-driven, evidence-based nonprofit that aims to eliminate childhood lead poisoning, which affects an estimated one in three children worldwide. We primarily focus on one important source of exposure: lead paint. Our paint programs involve generating data, supporting governments with the introduction and enforcement of regulation, and assisting manufacturers in switching to lead-free paints. Beyond our paint programs, we are piloting interventions to address other sources of lead exposure, such as spices and cosmetics.

Since our founding in September 2020:

• We have initiated lead paint elimination programs in 31 countries and completed paint studies in 18.
• We have agreed on goals to establish lead paint regulation with government agencies in 16 countries (e.g., in Angola).
• We have received reports in 10 countries of manufacturers representing more than 50% of the lead paint market share (in that country) reformulating to lead-free (e.g., in Pakistan).
• We have conducted a repeat paint study which showed more than a 50% reduction in lead paint market share since our initial study in Malawi.
• We have conducted lead in spices studies in Ethiopia and Türkiye.
• Founders Pledge estimates that it costs $1.66 to prevent one child’s lead exposure (in expectation) through our work, making LEEP one of its most cost-effective nonprofit recommendations. Our own analysis estimates that it costs under $5 to avert one DALYequivalent through LEEP’s first 13 established programs.
• We are a partner of the WHO and UN Environment Programme's Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, and a member of the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future, launched by USAID and UNICEF.
• We have received grants from major grantmaking organisations, including USAID, Founders Pledge, Open Philanthropy, and Schmidt Futures.

We have appeared in Nature, Vox, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, Prospect, on the 80,000 Hours Podcast, at the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future launch on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly, and our co-founders were named in Vox’s Future Perfect 50.

About the Role

LEEP is seeking a Research Associate (RA) based in India to play a hands-on role in field studies and designing interventions aimed at reducing lead exposure from sources other than paint. The RA will work closely with the Senior Research Manager to execute research projects, ensure high-quality data collection, and liaise with local stakeholders.

This role is ideal for someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and analytical, with the ability to work independently in dynamic field settings. You will help design and implement studies, monitor data quality, and engage with local policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure that research findings translate into meaningful action.

The position offers an opportunity to gain deep experience in field research and policy engagement while contributing to a major global public health challenge. You should be comfortable working in fast-paced environments, solving logistical problems, and taking initiative when challenges arise.

This role requires travel within India to oversee field studies and engage with local partners.

Key Responsibilities

Executing Field Research (50%)

• Assist in the design of field studies, including developing research protocols to ensure that data collection and implementation adhere strictly to the intended study design.
• Manage data collection processes, including training and monitoring enumerators, overseeing survey administration, and ensuring data integrity.
• Troubleshoot field challenges, such as unexpected logistical or operational issues, in collaboration with the Senior Research Manager.
• Ensure high-quality documentation, including maintaining field notes, study protocols, and survey records.

Data Analysis & Reporting (30%)

• Monitor and clean data to ensure accuracy and completeness before analysis.
• Identify inconsistencies or errors in datasets and proactively suggest corrections or improvements.
• Conduct analysis and generate insights to inform intervention design and decision-making.
• Prepare research reports and policy briefs to communicate findings to stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement & Logistics (20%)

• Coordinate with survey firms, local authorities, and other research partners to ensure smooth study execution.
• Build relationships with policymakers and industry stakeholders to facilitate research and interventions.

Contribute to improving LEEP’s internal research processes, documentation, and best practices.

Who We’re Looking For

Must-Have Skills & Experience

• At least one year of experience managing field research, including designing and piloting surveys, organizing training and logistics for data collection, and quality control of the data collected.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage complex field logistics and research protocols.
• Analytical thinker with a curious mindset, eager to question assumptions and ensure research findings are accurate.
• Independent problem solver, able to work autonomously in diverse field settings.
• Strong data management skills, including the ability to structure large datasets, and identify and correct inconsistencies using R, Stata, Python or similar software.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to navigate unpredictable challenges in field research.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate technical research into clear insights for policymakers and partners.
• Fluency in English and Hindi.
• Willingness to travel within India for field research and stakeholder engagement.
• Minimum two years previous work experience required.

Preferred but Not Required

• Background in economics, public health, environmental science, or a related field.
• Familiarity with quantitative research methods and causal inference concepts.
• Experience working with government agencies, survey firms, or public health organizations.
• Fluency in another relevant regional language such as Marathi, Odia and Rajasthani.

Work Environment

Our culture is one of genuine care for each other and passion for our work and its impact. We are a team that values collaboration, openness, and mutual support, which creates an environment where everyone can thrive while contributing to meaningful work. Though we are a remote team, we are supportive and close-knit. We stay connected through weekly team calls and 1:1 calls, where we have conversations about both non-work and work topics; we regularly share photos and celebrate milestones and successes in our Slack; and we come together annually for an in-person retreat to strengthen relationships and reflect on our mission.

Our team of 21 people is based across five continents and speaks over 10 languages. We have diverse expertise, from medicine to environmental health to international law.

This role will collaborate with team members worldwide. To ensure effective teamwork, we expect this role to accommodate later working hours where required, particularly to align with colleagues in European time zones.

LEEP offers:

• A chance to have a very large positive impact on the world
• 33 days of paid leave
• Generous sick leave and parental leave policies
• 4% pension contribution or equivalent salary match