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.

The UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute ( FPG) is one of the nation's oldest and largest multidisciplinary centers devoted to the study of children and their families. As one of the nation's leading child development research centers, we generate scientific evidence, inform policies, and support practices to promote positive developmental and educational outcomes for children of all backgrounds and abilities from infancy to adolescence.

FPG has a particular focus on the study of vulnerable populations and those who have special needs. In addition, FPG is committed to creating a place where everyone is welcome, supported, and has the resources they need to grow and thrive regardless of identity, origin, or difference in circumstances as well as engaging in work that addresses critical issues related to educational inequality and barriers to inclusion that impact children's wellbeing.

Approximately 280 researchers, implementation and technical assistance specialists, staff, and students work on more than 75 projects related to developmental disabilities; physical, social, and emotional health; early care and education; early intervention and special education, prevention science, and more to address important issues facing all children and families. Our work spans across disciplines from education and psychology to social work and public health.

We collaborate with researchers across campus and throughout the nation. At FPG, transdisciplinary collaboration is a way to leverage collective expertise for comprehensive and relevant research and outreach, and is embodied in our motto: Advancing knowledge to transform children's lives.

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.

The Research Scientist serves as a project leader on funded research project(s) at the Frank Porter Graham ( FPG) Child Development Institute or other collaborative research at UNC-Chapel Hill. The Research Scientist conducts research in early care and education, provides leadership on the project(s), conducts substantive data analysis, and supervises graduate and doctoral students.

The Research Scientist is actively engaged in one or more research or evaluation projects, often serving as the project manager or statistician. They assist in acquiring funding (including contributions to writing grant proposals), formulate research methods, develop and implement analysis plans, facilitate research quality, identify potential problems and solutions, coordinate data collection and verification, and/or act as a liaison with other campus units.

The Research Scientist has evidence of substantial scholarship such as dissertation, research publications, book chapters, written evaluation plans, grant proposals, measures, white/grey papers, or technical reports. The individual may be actively engaged in productive public service or volunteer professional service at the local, state, or national level related to their field of expertise. There is evidence of professional ties in the field in the form of membership in professional organizations, occasional reviews for journals or foundations, or service on advisory boards.

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.

Demonstrated experience with report and manuscript preparation, conducting and analyzing data from focus groups and interviews, grant proposal writing, and intermediate or advanced statistical analyses.

Demonstrated expertise in effectively translating research for policy and practice purposes and evidence of forming ongoing working relationships with local, state, and/or federal-level systems leaders in the area of early care and education.

Knowledge of rigorous research study designs, experience as part of a research study team, and willingness to develop flexible systems to provide rapid feedback of research results to partners. Consult with supporting policy partners to identify priority areas where research might inform decision-making. History of producing and/or publishing policy-oriented research briefs and reports as a lead or key author.

Optimally the candidate will also have demonstrated experience with SAS, R, Excel, or other statistical analysis or data visualization software with a willingness to collaborate in statistical programs in SAS or R as required.

The ability to participate in a collegial environment that fosters ongoing collaboration with faculty and stakeholders from a variety of disciplines is essential. The preferred candidate will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to identify and solve problems, and be highly flexible.

Requires a desire to learn and a commitment to excellence.

Prefer a Ph.D. in Early Childhood, Education, Social Work, Psychology, Public Health or related disciplines, or a Master's degree in a related discipline with three years of experience with leading advanced statistical and qualitative analyses, manuscript preparation, and/or grant proposal writing.

Prefer a demonstrated interest in early care and education workforce and young children's development, developmental psychology, or young children and their families, school readiness, quality of care or education policy. Previous employment experiences in one or more of these areas preferred.

Prefer demonstrated proficiency in written communication, public speaking and presentation, knowledge of research, qualitative and quantitative evaluation methodologies.

Prefer the candidate will also have demonstrated experience with SAS, R, Excel, or other statistical analysis or data visualization software with a willingness to collaborate in statistical programs in SAS or R as required.

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.