Research Associate/Project Director

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.

The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research seeks to improve the health of individuals, families, and populations by understanding the problems, issues, and alternatives in the design and delivery of health care services. This is accomplished through an interdisciplinary program of research, consultation, technical assistance, and training that focuses on timely and policy-relevant questions concerning the accessibility, adequacy, organization, cost, and effectiveness of health care services, and the dissemination of this information to policymakers and the general public.

The North Carolina Institute of Medicine www.nciom.org (through the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is recruiting for a full-time Research Associate Project Director (RA PD) to be responsible for managing multiple projects focused on public health, healthcare, health workforce, and health equity.

The PD will have a leading role on some research tasks and a supporting role on others. The PD will be responsible for administrative and project activities that include facilitating large groups in policy deliberation, developing consensus policy recommendations, communicating regularly with staff and the PI, as well as outside stakeholders including legislators, health system executives, community health leaders and others. The PD will have significant responsibilities for communicating policy recommendations with elected officials and providing data and analysis to facilitate evidence-based policy decisions. The PD will lead and coordinate proposal writing, schedule meetings and events, and lead portions of background research, data analysis, and report writing.

The position will play a lead role in fulfillment of administrative and reporting requirements. This position requires substantial capacity to independently manage and coordinate research activities. The position will require substantial communication and coordination with a variety of individuals. The PD must also be able to develop plans for project implementation and completion, supervise staff, and coordinate with colleagues.

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.

Prior research and experience, including experience coordinating a study and managing a complex project. This position requires a substantial capacity to work independently. Strong interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and excellent research, policy analysis and writing skills are required. Also important is the ability to think critically and creatively, to help plan the work of others, and to work collaboratively with others. The PD must be experienced with literature review, synthesis, and professional writing.

At least three years prior research and experience, including experience coordinating a study and managing a complex project. An interest in health policy and facility with a range of software is desirable.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.