Research Associate-Data Scientist

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: 20 days ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 11 Apr 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department NC Institute for Public Health-468520
Career Area Research Professionals
Posting Open Date 03/28/2024
Application Deadline 04/11/2024
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Research Associate-Data Scientist
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 01003500
Vacancy ID NF0008000
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $74,340-$84,880
Proposed Start Date 04/22/2024

Position Information


Be a Tar Heel!
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.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Bridging knowledge and expertise at UNC Gillings, the mission of the North Carolina Institute for Public Health (NCIPH) is to facilitate collaborative solutions to population health challenges in N.C. and beyond. NCIPH uses the expertise of our staff, partners and the UNC Gillings community to transform organizations, develop leaders, translate data to action and build capacity in order to improve population health. We envision a North Carolina where all communities are thriving and healthy.
Position Summary
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.
This is a professional position based in the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health’s North Carolina Institute for Public Health in the Community Assessment and Strategy (CAS) Unit. The Research Associate-Data Scientist is primarily responsible for leading primary data collection survey efforts as well as generating and manipulating datasets in order to create data visualizations and story maps as decision support tools around health improvement and health equity. This position is often responsible for supporting multiple projects with other CAS members and to actively engage in discussions around new lines or work, sources of funding and partners. The individual in this position is required to interact with public health professionals and partners from a wide range of service sectors, including local and state government, foundations, and non-profit agencies; specifically, they will be expected to advise on appropriate data sources and practices to assist with health improvement strategies. The individual is also required to demonstrate a strong knowledge of and commitment to identifying and addressing racial and health inequities in project work, including data systems and methods.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
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.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Proficiency is required in database and mapping software and related applications, preferably ESRI’s ArcGIS Pro. Required skills also include GIS programming in Python and/or R. Experience with visualization software such as ArcGIS Online and Tableau is also necessary. 
A successful candidate will have excellent project management skills, be detail oriented, have a proven ability to work both independently and with a team, and be familiar with using collaboration platforms. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs. A strong understanding and experience in primary data collection strategies and methods. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, professional staff, funders, and public health/health-related practitioners as well as ability to interpret complex data from multiple sources to inform decisions around community and state level health improvement is also required. In alignment with organizational values, a successful candidate will demonstrate a deep commitment to understanding and addressing racial and health inequities as well as a passion for individual and collective learning.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Prefer at least 5 years experience in a professional capacity for a university, state, local, or international agency and training in a spatial analysis specialty such as geographic information systems, mapping. Prefer field based work experience and cultural competency of the Southeastern US. A successful candidate will have excellent computer skills and be thoroughly familiar with ESRI ArcGIS software and other related software. The candidate will be very detail oriented and have a proven ability to work independently.
An understanding of survey sampling methods is also strongly preferred.
Strongly prefer formal education in public health at master’s level along with professional certification in GIS or specific and significant coursework in geography and/or spatial analysis.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
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.
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/276664

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title Gretchen Senez
Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected]
Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources 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, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

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