Research Associate, Research Scientist, Research Analyst

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.

The Research Scientist will engage directly with stakeholders and communities affected by the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (NC RHTP), design, oversee, and implement qualitative, survey, and mixed-method studies, lead collaborative and participatory evaluation processes, and work closely with NC RHTP partners to develop consensus on 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.

UNC offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid leave, health, life and retirement plans, and additional programs supporting work/life balance.

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.