Post-Doc Research Associate

University of North Carolina, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ; ;

Posting Information
Posting Details


Department Carolina Population Center - 631100
Posting Open Date 09/13/2022
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate
Vacancy ID PDS003585
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week 40
FTE 1
Work Location Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range dependent on qualifications
Proposed Start Date 10/31/2022
Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months

Position Information


Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
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/
Position Summary
We are searching for a postdoctoral associate to join our study that aims to inform policies to mitigate climate change and prevent non-communicable diseases through shifting US consumers to healthier and more sustainable diets. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for linking the National Health and Nutrition Survey to databases of greenhouse gas emissions and using this data to examine the association between diet and environmental impacts. The fellow will also lead a study analyzing secondary data to understand the impacts of warning labels and taxes on consumer purchases, with regards to red meat substitutes and nutritional quality of purchases. 
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 
  • Presenting research at national conferences and meetings, attending virtual research seminars at the Global Food Research Program, and mentoring students


The fellow will be joining a highly productive research team led by Lindsey Smith Taillie, on a project co-led by Dr. Lindsay Jaacks (University of Edinburgh). The postdoctoral fellow will work as part of a highly-interdisciplinary collaborative team with expertise in nutrition epidemiology, food policy, health behavior, visual communication, economics, and environmental science. Dr. Taillie’s lab is part of the Global Food Research Program , and focuses on food policies to prevent obesity and related co-morbidities in the US and internationally. The postdoctoral fellow will also have the opportunity to collaborate on additional studies relating to policies to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage intake, including taxes, warning labels, and nutrition claims. 
We are seeking a productive, self-driven, interdisciplinary, and collaborative scientist. Ideally, the candidate will have experience in nutrition epidemiology, healthy and sustainable diets, and data to link nutrition and health data to environmental impact data. 
The work uses highly innovative research designs and will inform policies addressing climate change and NCDs. 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 Global Food Research Program (Drs. Barry Popkin, Shu Wen Ng, and Marissa Hall), other faculty at the Carolina Population Center, and scientists at the University of Edinburgh (including study co-PI Lindsay Jaacks).
The initial term of appointment is one year, with reappointment for a second year likely, contingent on contributions and funding.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
A PhD or equivalent in nutrition, public health and/or population sciences, social-behavioral sciences, or a related behavioral science field.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Must have training in quantitative statistical methods. Must have prior experience working with the National Health and Nutrition Survey as demonstrated by previous publications. Must have experience working in sustainable diets.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience in food policy, non-communicable diseases, obesity prevention, nutrition, health communication, behavioral economics, or environmental sciences is helpful but not required.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Applicants must attach their curriculum vitae, a relevant publication, cover letter summarizing qualifications, and a list of 3 references. 
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/240050

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title Dawn Andres, HR Specialist
Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected]
Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity office at (919) 966-3576 or send an email to [email protected].

Please note: The Equal Employment Opportunity office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
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.

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