Social Science Research Practicum Student

About Us

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) is the state’s leading provider of sexual and reproductive health care, nationally recognized for education and research. Our mission: ensure everyone in Massachusetts has access to compassionate, judgment-free care and education. We operate four health centers and offer telehealth statewide as part of a network of 600 Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a graduate-level Social Science Research Practicum Student to support our Social Science Research Program. This practicum placement offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public health and social science research, with a particular focus on translating research findings into accessible, engaging materials for diverse audiences.

Working closely with research staff, the practicum student will assist with dissemination activities related to completed research studies, including the development of infographics, social media content, educational materials, and other communications products. Depending on interest, experience, and project needs, the student may also contribute to data analysis, literature reviews, participant recruitment, data collection, and other research activities.

This position will require 10-15 hours per week and is expected to run from January-May 2027 (with flexibility).

Your Day to Day:

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support the translation of research results to social media posts, infographics, and other visualizations and dissemination materials.

Review qualitative and quantitative data reports and analyses from completed studies, take part in collaborative discussions about results and broader public health impact.

Conduct literature reviews as needed.

Contribute to ideation of dissemination projects.

Maintain accurate and detailed study documentation as needed.

Attend study-related team meetings, journal clubs, and trainings.

Conduct data collection as needed.

Complete additional research-related duties as directed.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participation in PPLM’s efforts to achieve goals for productivity

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Ability to work 10-15 hours per week from January-May with flexibility based on program requirements

Qualifications:

Current enrollment in a graduate program in public health, sociology, social work, women’s and gender studies, statistics, health communications, or a related social science field.

Ability to read scholarly work and interpret research results into digestible content accessible to a broad audience.

Experience with digital media and/or design, experience creating art

Interest in sexual and reproductive health research and research ethics.

Strong organizational skills and ability to follow study protocols.

Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Ability to interact respectfully with individuals of diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Ability to travel to health center sites as necessary.

Prior research or clinical experience is beneficial but not required.

Familiarity with RedCap data management software is beneficial but not required.

Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while performing data entry or documentation.

Ability to move within clinical and office settings to support participant interactions

PPLM is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to creating a workplace where all people are honored, respected, and valued. We believe our organization is stronger when individuals with different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds come together in service of a shared mission.

Our workplace values guide how we work with one another:

• We Tend to the Team
• We Honor and Respect All People
• We Jump In
• We Try and We Learn
• We Care for Our Business
• We Return to Our Mission

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage individuals whose experiences, perspectives, and skills can help us better serve our communities to apply.

Employment and advancement at PPLM are based on qualifications, performance, and organizational needs, without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable law.

PPLM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the application and interview process.