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 goal of the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention ( HPDP) is to prevent chronic disease and reduce health disparities. Investigators and staff at HPDP work with communities to conduct research, provide training and translate research findings into policy and practice. Research areas include nutrition and physical activity, cardiovascular health, diabetes, obesity, healthy food access, cancer prevention and control, children's health, rural health, and health equity. HPDP is part of a network of 26 CDC Prevention Research Centers across the United States.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

This Research Scientist position serves in the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. The work spans multiple research and practice projects. The Research Scientist will serve as a Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on current and future research projects; lead grant development activities; assist with data management; and lead the development of scientific abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts. This position will also be responsible for leveraging existing resources to explore and answer new research.

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.

- Research experience related to pediatric feeding behaviors and caregiver feeding practices, more specifically focused among families with typically developing children and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome, autistic spectrum disorder).
- Experience in written communication, public speaking and presentation, knowledge of research, and qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
- Success in obtaining federal grants from funders such as NIH.
- Experience leading research projects related to public health, feeding behaviors and practices, and experience in mixed methods.
- Experience with data management and analyses, including dataset creation and data cleaning,
- Excellent research skills, including experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection and literature searches (published and unpublished),
- Experience effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including community led organizations, health systems, and other academic institutions,

- Five years of research experience related to pediatric feeding behaviors and caregiver feeding practices, more specifically focused among families with typically developing children and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome, autistic spectrum disorder).
- Familiarity with feeding assessment tools
- Knowledge of REDCap and Qualtrics, preferred

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.