Research Scientist

Position Summary

The Injury Prevention Research Center at UNC‑Chapel Hill is seeking a Research Scientist. This position will be responsible for applying for and executing new research grants. The individual in this role will use skills in grant writing, expertise in epidemiology and behavioral health design, operation and analysis of research projects in the social sciences as it relates to opioid addiction, opioid overdose prevention, and harm reduction.

This position will work with multiple investigators and as a Principal Investigator on projects focused on opioid addiction and overdose prevention. It will be part of the Community Opioid Resources Engine (CORE‑NC) and Overdose to Action (OD2A) teams and will also develop original and independent research, providing expertise in mixed‑methods, qualitative analysis, implementation science, surveillance and community engagement.

The position will also support the work of the CORE‑NC and OD2A projects in the design, conduct, and analysis of funded projects. It will collaborate with principal investigators, project directors, data teams, administrative staff for data collection, and state partners. Research dissemination to state and community partners via presentations, practice‑ and policy‑oriented products, and scientific publications is expected. The position will develop original and independent research, including design, conduct, and analysis with the support of IPRC staff and personnel, and will support IPRC’s efforts to collaborate with partners such as the Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (IVPB) of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, engaging in education and training of the next generation of IVP researchers.

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. In‑person attendance on campus in Chapel Hill is expected at least two days per week.

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree and 0‑2 years’ experience; or a combination of related education and experience may be considered.

• Candidates must have experience conducting data analyses using two or more quantitative and qualitative statistical tools, including SAS, Stata, R, or Python, and separate qualitative software (ATLAS.ti, NVivo, etc.). Experience in mixed‑methods implementation and data analysis is required.
• Demonstrated success in acquiring independent research funding, leading the conduct of research, and experience working directly with state partners is highly encouraged.
• Demonstrated experience in public health community engagement, surveillance, and research translation.

• Doctorate in Public Health, Social Work, Sociology, or related field is highly preferred, as the position will independently acquire research funding.
• Strong publication record for career stage, strong oral and written communication skills, and proven teamwork skills.
• Work experience that advances public health and injury prevention, facilitating policy decision‑making, empowering community‑based organizations and coalitions is preferred.

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.