Senior Staff Research Scientist

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 UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians, and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be the nation's leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research.
Patient Care: We will promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We will prepare tomorrow's health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.
Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.

The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center ( LCCC), founded in 1975, is one of 57 National Cancer Institute ( NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country. The Center's mission is to reduce cancer occurrence and death in North Carolina and the nation through research, treatment, education, training, and outreach.

As a part of the LCCC, the Cancer Research Equity & Advocacy through Engagement ( CREATE) Initiative was founded to address low representation of structurally and systemically marginalized populations in cancer related clinical trials. CREATE uses an empowerment, not deficit, approach to cultivate bi-directional communication and meaningful partnerships across community sectors to achieve equity and inclusion in research participation to optimize cancer care delivery and improve cancer outcomes.

The primary purpose of the Senior Staff Research Scientist position is to lead all CREATE research initiatives under the direction of Dr. Marjory Charlot (Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center) who conducts research focused on addressing inequities in cancer care delivery including cancer clinical trials. The person in this position will be responsible for conducting qualitative research (data collection, analysis, and dissemination); assist with research dissemination through writing manuscripts, summary reports, and social media messaging; and drafting grant applications for future funding. Additionally, this role will be responsible for managing all research related activities including developing study protocols, IRB submissions, supervise the research coordinators team (including graduate students) when applicable, support communication with patient and community partners engaged in research, data management including data collection, data quality assurance and quality control, and data analysis (qualitative and quantitative). Other duties will include conducting independent literature searches, maintaining reference library, synthesizing literature to guide research project development and drafting manuscripts and grant applications.

As Senior Staff Research Scientist, the individual will be a vital member of a dynamic team. This team is led by Dr. Charlot and a Project Director who oversees all administrative and operational aspects of the clinical research and outreach initiatives, a health services research specialist who provides scientific support (literature review assistance, quantitative/qualitative analysis assistance, data visualization and presentation creation support), graduate student research assistants, and a clinical trial patient navigator. The position can be mostly remote but may involve travelling to national meetings at most once per year (all expenses will be paid). Applicants historically underrepresented in academia are strongly encouraged to apply.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

* Prior research experience working with patients, community members and/or structurally marginalized populations
* Ability to learn quickly and manage multi-institution collaborative research projects
* Ability to develop, plan and implement short- and long-term goals and establish priorities
* Exceptional organizational, written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to function independently with limited supervision
* Must possess an excellent command of technology to provide technical advice, guidance, and support to research team members
* Ability to draft grant applications, manuscripts, scientific reports, and presentations for scientific meetings
* Knowledge and understanding of scientific research methodology, principles, and procedures within the specified area of interest
* Familiarity with community engaged and/or community-based participatory research approaches
* Proficient in Microsoft Office 365

* Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree in public health, health services, epidemiology, or related field

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.