Data Science and AI Research Methodologist

Department: H W Odum Inst Res Social Sci-631300

Career Area: Research Professionals

Posting Open Date: 01/06/2026

Final date to receive applications: 01/26/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Data Science and AI Research Methodologist

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

Vacancy : NF0009472

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $80,000 - $100,000

Proposed

Start Date:

02/09/2026

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.

Founded in 1924, the Odum Institute for Research in Social Science provides training, consultation, and research support services to faculty, staff, and students across the UNC‑Chapel Hill campus and beyond. Odum expands Carolina’s impact by providing education and support for planning, implementing, and disseminating research. We work to advance rigorous and reproducible research across the data, social and health sciences, while building collaborative, trans‑disciplinary research networks.

Positioned in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the Institute is funded through state/university appropriations and grants/contracts led by Institute staff.

The Odum Institute for Research in Social Science is seeking a Data Science and AI Research Methodologist to provide support for UNC research programs that are implementing cutting‑edge scientific methods using artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs), and other new approach methods (NAMs) to accelerate discoveries in the social, health, and data sciences. This position builds upon the Odum Institute’s strengths in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed‑methods research methodology training, data collection and sampling design, and advanced statistical analysis to promote scientific rigor and reproducibility in AI‑ and machine learning‑powered research.

The Data Science and AI Research Methodologist is a researcher with experience applying knowledge and skills in advanced statistical analysis, machine learning, natural language processing, and AI technologies to scientific research study and experiment design, big data mining and processing, algorithm development, and complex computational analysis. They have expertise in the ethical issues of using AI tools and other NAMs in scientific research to design and implement research methods and workflows that uphold standards for the responsible conduct of research.

Ideal candidates also have a proven track record of successful cross‑disciplinary research team collaboration and strong evidence of teaching excellence.

The primary purpose of the Data Science and AI Research Methodologist position is to provide study project consultation, research methods training, data management services, and grant proposal support to the UNC research community engaged in research that uses AI and other emerging technologies to meet standards of rigorous, responsible, reproducible science. This position also engages with UNC research stakeholders in campus-wide…