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.

Created in 1987, the University of North Carolina Injury Prevention Research Center ( UNC IPRC) is one of the nation's leading university-based injury and violence prevention research centers. IPRC's mission is to build the field of injury and violence prevention through interdisciplinary scholarly research, and by training the next generation of injury prevention researchers and practitioners. UNC IPRC is one of the nine active centers in the Centers for Disease Control's ( CDC) Injury Control Research Center ( ICRC) program, and one of the only two research centers to be continuously-funded as a CDC ICRC since the inception of the ICRC program.

UNC IPRC is internationally known for the high quality of its interdisciplinary research and for developing innovative research methodologies. The Center conducts a wide range of research studies, with the ultimate goal of advancing the practice-relevant knowledge base for injury/violence prevention. UNC IPRC's staff and core faculty serve as a trusted source of expert knowledge on injury/violence prevention science. The Center supports several student-led research consortiums on campus, and hosts an Injury and Violence Prevention Fellowship program.

Additionally, to ensure that science on injury/violence prevention is rapidly translated into measurable and effective injury prevention actions, UNC IPRC also conducts an extensive set of community-based training and outreach activities. Many of our community-based activities are planned and implemented in collaboration with partners such as the Injury and Violence Prevention Branch ( IVPB) of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Through its partnerships with IVPB and others, UNC IPRC plays a long-term leadership role in catalyzing evidence-based injury prevention activities through training and outreach to professional, governmental, and public groups.

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. Necessary skills include 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. This position will work as part of the Opioid Data Lab team and will also develop original and independent research. In addition, the person in this position will provide expertise in mixed-methods, qualitative analysis, implementation science, surveillance and community engagement.

The position will be responsible for supporting the work of the Opioid Data Lab in the design, conduct, and analysis on funded studies. The position will work collaboratively with our team including a qualitative methodologist, administrative staff for study conduct, community liaisons, and people with lived experience. Research dissemination to community partners via blog posts and scientific publications is expected.

In addition, this position will be an integral part of IPRC staff supporting Center growth and Center student mentoring. This position will lead the IPRC Injury and Violence Prevention Fellowships program, including providing support to students, monitoring projects, and organizing training events.

In addition, the position will be responsible for developing original and independent research including design, conduct and analysis with the support of IPRC staff and personnel. This position will provide overall support to IPRC projects and studies related to opioid addiction and overdose prevention. 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 Service and to engage in the education and training of the next generation of IVP researchers.

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

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Candidates must have experience conducting data analyses using two or more quantitative and qualitative statistical tools including SAS, Stata, R, or Python, and separately qualitative software ( ATLAS.ti, NVivo, etc.). Experience in mixed-methods implementation and data analysis is required.

Experience analyzing street drug analytical chemistry results required, including visualizations and statistical analysis in R or Python.

Previous experience leading the conduct of research in opioid addiction and prevention, and experience working directly with community partners and harm reduction programs is required. We will ask for references from community partners.

Demonstrated experience in public health community engagement, surveillance and research translation.

Preferred candidates will have a strong publication record for their career stage, strong oral and written communication skills and proven team-working skills.

Work experience that advances public health and injury prevention, e.g, that facilitates policy decision-making, empowers community-based organizations and coalitions is preferred.

Familiarity with student fellowship programs.

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.