Post-Doc 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 and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

Since 1966, researchers at the Carolina Population Center have pioneered data collection and research techniques that move population science forward by emphasizing life course approaches, longitudinal surveys, the integration of biological measurement into social surveys, and attention to context and environment. We are also at the forefront of creating interdisciplinary training programs that integrate approaches from the social and biological sciences, building research capacity and training the next generation of scholars. Our faculty fellows address pressing research questions about population dynamics, fertility, health, mortality, migration, and the environment. Faculty come from multiple disciplines, benefitting from the cross-pollination of ideas. Our dedicated research and programming staff support fellows at every stage of project development, from conception through data collection or acquisition, analysis and dissemination, and project administration. https://www.cpc.unc.edu/about/

We are searching for a Postdoctoral Research Associates to join our study that aims to assess the impact and scalability of a social accountability intervention on contraceptive access in Western Kenya using a cluster RCT study design. The Postdoctoral Research Associates will be responsible for a) preparing, organizing, and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data on contraceptive care in Kenya.

Additional responsibilities will include:
* Preparing manuscripts in collaboration with our team, including leading first author publications;
* Developing new study ideas and incorporating them into planned or new research;
* Assisting with grant writing and leading own grant applications
* Interacting with global collaborators on research design, implementation, and dissemination;
* Presenting research at national conferences and meetings, or as guest lecturers, and mentoring students.

The postdoc will be joining a highly productive research team led by Katherine Tumlinson. The postdoctoral will work as part of a highly-interdisciplinary collaborative team with expertise in reproductive epidemiology, maternal and child health, health behavior, visual communication, and economics. Dr. Tumlinson's focuses on contraceptive autonomy and quality of care in the public-sector healthcare system in Kenya. The postdoctoral postdoc will also have the opportunity to collaborate on additional studies relating to global sexual and reproductive health.

We are seeking a productive, self-driven, interdisciplinary, and collaborative scientist. Ideally, the candidate will have experience in rigorous quantitative and/or qualitative research methodology, contraceptive access in the Global South, sexual and reproductive health, quality of care, and/or intervention design.

The work will inform Kenyan county- and/or national-level health system policies addressing health system barriers. Additionally, there will be ample opportunities for connecting with a wider network of scientists and for career development, including collaboration with other scientists in the Department of Health Policy and Research, UNC Gillings, and the Carolina Population Center.

The initial term of appointment is one year, with reappointment for a second year likely, contingent on contributions and funding.

A PhD or equivalent in public health and/or population health sciences, social- behavioral sciences, or a related behavioral science field.

- Must have rigorous training in quantitative and/or qualitative methods.
- Must have prior first author publications on contraception, maternal health, and/or health systems barriers/quality of care among health systems in the Global South.

- Experience with/expertise in access to care, reproductive health, maternal and child health, measurement of health system quality, impact evaluation, analysis of large-scale demographic survey data, is helpful but not required.
- Demonstrated experience working on interdisciplinary teams.

Applicants must attach their curriculum vitae, a relevant publication, cover letter

summarizing qualifications, and a list of 3 references.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

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, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.