Posting Information
Posting Information
Department Sheps Ctr for Hlth Serv Res-633100 Career Area Research Professionals Posting Open Date 07/14/2026 Application Deadline 07/28/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Research Associate Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 20077291 Vacancy ID NF0009893 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent FTE 1 Hours per week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range $110,000 - $140,000 Proposed Start Date 08/10/2026
Position Information
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Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research seeks to improve the health of individuals, families, and populations by understanding the problems, issues, and alternatives in the design and delivery of health care services. This is accomplished through an interdisciplinary program of research, consultation, technical assistance, and training that focuses on timely and policy-relevant questions concerning the accessibility, adequacy, organization, cost, and effectiveness of health care services, and the dissemination of this information to policymakers and the general public.
Position Summary
The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is recruiting a Research Scientist to work under the direction of Mark Holmes in the NC Rural Health Research Program. The Research Scientist will serve as key personnel for the Sheps Center's evaluation of the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP).
This role is ideal for a researcher with expertise in qualitative evaluation, mixed-methods research, implementation science, and learning-oriented approaches such as formative evaluation and rapid-cycle analysis. A central feature of the position will be engaging directly with stakeholders and communities affected by the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (NC RHTP). As a lead researcher and individual contributor, the Research Scientist will design, oversee, and implement qualitative, survey, and mixed-method studies focused on the NC RHTP and its initiatives.
The person in this role will lead collaborative and participatory evaluation processes with diverse stakeholders and a demonstrated ability to combine methodological rigor with strong facilitation and technical assistance skills. Working closely with NC RHTP partners including the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, regional ROOTS Hubs, community organizations, NC AHEC, and other subrecipients the Research Scientist will use stakeholder and community input to develop consensus around evaluation frameworks, logic models, and measures of program success. The position will support formative evaluation, rapid-cycle analyses, and continuous learning processes designed to provide timely and actionable feedback to program leaders and community partners.
The Research Scientist will contribute to securing new research funding and will support dissemination activities through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations at state, regional, and national conferences. The successful candidate will join the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research and contribute to its longstanding leadership in rural health research, evaluation, and policy.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/322242
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Diana M. deProphetis, HR Specialist Department Contact Telephone or Email dianadep@email.unc.edu 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 employment@unc.edu
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 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.
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