Research Associate

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience to improve the lives of others. Public Policy is an interdisciplinary social science major designed to provide students with the theoretical perspective, analytical skill, and substantive knowledge needed to respond to major domestic and global policy problems. A double major in Public Policy and a related social science or professional school is common.

The Education Policy Initiative at Carolina ( EPIC) is an education research group within the department of public policy with a significant program of education policy research. The affiliated faculty, Fellows, and staff at EPIC produce top quality research and engage with the public, policymakers, educators, journalists, and other scholars on significant policy issues. EPIC currently includes five faculty investigators, several qualitative and quantitative research associates, and research specialists and research assistants. The initiative is primarily funded through state, federal, and foundation research grants and this position will be fully grant funded.

The Research Associate position will include project management and research-related responsibilities. Project management responsibilities will include managing internal research budgets, providing financial projections to project leaders, helping to manage data agreements, collaborating with research administration and the Office of Sponsored Programs, and engaging with principal investigators at EPIC around proposals, project expenditures, and planning. Research responsibilities of this position will include recruitment and scheduling of study participants, conducting interviews and focus groups, developing qualitative codebooks, analyzing data and synthesizing findings, and helping contribute to project deliverables.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Knowledge of IRB requirements and experience collaborating with Research Faculty/Project Leadership on internal budget development and financial projections, in addition to strategic financial planning skills. Proficiency in meeting multiple deadlines and experience working simultaneously with many projects that have overlapping personnel and competing demands for resources are required. Proficient computer skills and strong interpersonal skills are required. Must understand the development processes involved in sponsored research in education. The candidate must be experienced in working as a collaborator with researchers and must have the ability to work collaboratively with the research administration staff to meet the demands of the sponsored research process. Must possess an ability to communicate with a variety of professionals including faculty.

A working knowledge of state and federal proposal submission systems and software is strongly preferred.

Experience in a university research setting or equivalent experience. Ability to understand a range of activities that are necessary to manage large-scale data research projects and coordinate activities across several inter-related projects. This includes the ability to manage several aspects of the research processes including budget development, proposal development, data collection, data analysis, report writing, and presentation development.

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.