Research Associate

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research seeks to improve the health of individuals, families, and populations by understanding the problems, issues, and alternatives in the design and delivery of health care services. This is accomplished through an interdisciplinary program of research, consultation, technical assistance, and training that focuses on timely and policy-relevant questions concerning the accessibility, adequacy, organization, cost, and effectiveness of health care services, and the dissemination of this information to policymakers and the general public.

The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is recruiting a Research Scientist to work under the direction of Mark Holmes in the NC Rural Health Research Program. The Research Scientist will serve as key personnel for the Sheps Center's evaluation of the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program ( NCRHTP).

This role is ideal for a researcher with expertise in qualitative evaluation, mixed-methods research, implementation science, and learning-oriented approaches such as formative evaluation and rapid-cycle analysis. A central feature of the position will be engaging directly with stakeholders and communities affected by the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (NC RHTP). As a lead researcher and individual contributor, the Research Scientist will design, oversee, and implement qualitative, survey, and mixed-method studies focused on the NC RHTP and its initiatives.

The person in this role will lead collaborative and participatory evaluation processes with diverse stakeholders and a demonstrated ability to combine methodological rigor with strong facilitation and technical assistance skills. Working closely with NC RHTP partners including the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, regional ROOTS Hubs, community organizations, NC AHEC, and other subrecipients the Research Scientist will use stakeholder and community input to develop consensus around evaluation frameworks, logic models, and measures of program success. The position will support formative evaluation, rapid-cycle analyses, and continuous learning processes designed to provide timely and actionable feedback to program leaders and community partners.

The Research Scientist will contribute to securing new research funding and will support dissemination activities through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations at state, regional, and national conferences. The successful candidate will join the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research and contribute to its longstanding leadership in rural health research, evaluation, and policy.

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

- Bachelor's or higher degree in relevant field (e.g., health services research, public health, economics, epidemiology, etc.).
- Must be able to work with substantial independence and expertise in original scholarship, research design, research engineering, implementation of research procedures, data analysis and interpretation of results.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in methods appropriate for analysis of health or related outcomes.
- Substantial experience using qualitative and mixed methods in the context of program evaluation.
- Expertise in implementation science.
- Demonstrated experience in academic analysis and writing, public speaking and presentation, and qualitative research methodologies.
- Experience with designing and conducting studies designed to inform policy.
- Experience collaborating with state and/or local government agencies.
- Proactive team orientation with communication and collaborative interpersonal skills.
- Experience with research in rural and/or low resource populations.

- Master's or higher degree in relevant field (e.g., health services research, health policy and management, economics, epidemiology, etc.) strongly preferred.
- Minimum two years of experience with research in rural and/or low resource populations.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.