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.

Our top-ranked Department of Health Policy and Management trains the next generation of leaders in management, policy making and research to address the complex challenges of health care delivery and produce cutting-edge research. We prepare our students to improve population health both domestically and globally. We are committed to ensuring that all people - irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, geographic origin, religion or economic resources - have access to high-quality health care services.

The Research Associate will apply systems science methods to support communities in understanding, navigating, and driving change within complex public health and social systems. This position will focus on building, refining, and applying causal loop diagrams and related system dynamics tools in partnership with community members, subject-matter experts, and cross-sector stakeholders.
The Research Associate will facilitate participatory systems processes, translate complex systems insights into accessible products, contribute to scholarly and applied publications, and support capacity-building efforts that enable communities to use systems tools to strengthen collaboration and inform action.

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.

* Formal training in system dynamics (e.g., causal loop diagramming, group model building, simulation modeling)
* Demonstrated experience developing and interpreting causal loop diagrams
* Proficiency using system dynamics software (either Vensim or Stella)
* Experience applying system dynamics or systems thinking in community-based or participatory contexts Strong facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences
* Excellent written skills, including experience contributing to reports or publications
* Ability to work collaboratively while managing independent analytical work

* Prior work in public health, social services, behavioral health, or other complex human systems
* Comfort working in ambiguity, iteration, and evolving project environment

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.