Research Assistant​/Coordinator

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.

The Data-Driven Enviro Lab (DDL) is an interdisciplinary and international research initiative based at UNC's Institute for the Environment that is redefining how data is used to tackle the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Analyzing the global environment at multiple geographical and jurisdictional levels - from cities, countries, and regions to local communities and corporations - we turn complex, large-scale, and often messy datasets into actionable insights that shape policy, drive accountability, and create real-world impact.

We operate with a commitment to evidence-based, equitable solutions, building connections across disciplines, sectors, and geographies while giving special attention to underrepresented communities and data-scarce regions in the Global South. DDL was founded and is led by Associate Professor Angel Hsu.

The Data-Driven Enviro Lab (DDL) is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant / Project Coordinator to support a range of activities spanning research, communications, and project management. This role will report directly to Professor Angel Hsu and play a central part in advancing DDL's work at the intersection of data science, environmental policy, and public outreach. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and bring strong organizational, writing, and research skills to support lab operations and scientific publications.

The Research Assistant/Project Coordinator will manage pre and post-award support, liaising with internal and external counterparts to ensure documentation and paperwork supporting grant applications and budgets are timely and complete; post-award support to ensure grants are properly managed. The position will assist with scheduling, contracting paperwork, email correspondence, event and meeting management, including documenting meetings, conference calls, and maintaining lab and project organization using Google Drive, Git Hub, Teamgantt, and Slack.

The Research Assistant/Project Coordinator will conduct desk research, data analysis, to support research projects and scientific publications.

The successful candidate is proactive and able to multi-task with goals of advancing research, communication and coordination skills. The position is initially for 1 year with the possibility of extension pending funding and performance