Adjunct Associate Professor

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 13,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an Adjunct Associate Professor to guide a RiseWell project on middle school behavioral health prevention. The role focuses on adolescent mental health and substance use, advising content development and ensuring scientific rigor.

Reporting to the School of Social Work, the consultant will review materials, provide feedback, and support universal prevention efforts in middle school settings. Collaboration with UNC researchers is essential.

Qualifications

• Relevant research experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance to the RiseWell research team on school-based behavioral health prevention interventions.
• Review intervention content for accuracy, development appropriateness and alignment with current evidence-based practices.
• Assist in applying research findings to universal prevention in middle school settings.

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: SW-Research Projects - 382000
• Application Deadline: 10/27/2026
• Position Type: Visiting / Part-time Faculty
• Working Title: Adjunct Associate Professor
• Appointment Type: Adjunct Faculty
• Position Number: 20079213
• Vacancy ID: F003711
• Full-time/Part-time: Part-Time Temporary
• Hours per week: 0.01
• FTE: 0
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Proposed Start Date: 11/09/2026
• Estimated duration of appointment: 1 year

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 that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The mission of the School of Social Work is to advance equity, transform systems, improve lives. The School's curriculum supports the mission and recognizes the uniqueness of the region served, including concerns for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families and communities. Classes provide rigorous and evidence-based content, and give students the opportunity to explore theory, learn intervention skills and engage in challenging dialogue with colleagues.

Position Summary

The Adjunct Associate Professor-Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Use Consultant will provide expert guidance to the RiseWell research team in the development of a comprehensive, school-based behavioral health prevention intervention that aims to prevent substance use and promote mental health and emotional well being among middle school students. Drawing on expertise in child and adolescent psychiatry, adolescent substance use, developmental science, and co-occurring mental health conditions, the consultant will advise the team on integrating developmentally appropriate mental health and substance use prevention content into the intervention. Particular attention will be given to the relationships among emotional distress, coping, mental health symptoms, and substance use risk, as well as the individual and contextual factors that may increase vulnerability or promote resilience among adolescents.

Specific responsibilities will include reviewing and providing feedback on intervention content related to adolescent mental health, substance use, risk and protective factors, and healthy coping; assessing the clinical accuracy and developmental appropriateness of proposed concepts, messages, and activities; and identifying opportunities to strengthen the integration of mental health promotion and substance use prevention throughout the curriculum. The consultant will also advise on the application of current research and evidence-based practices to ensure that intervention content is scientifically sound, clinically informed, and appropriate for universal prevention in middle school settings. Consultation will occur through review of project materials, written feedback, and discussions with the research team, as needed.

This Adjunct Associate Professor is a position for an individual to help conduct research projects for Dr. Trenette Goings, Sandra Reeves Spears and John B. Turner Distinguished Professor at UNC School of Social Work.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant research experience.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Relevant research experience.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327492

Contact Information

• Department Contact Name and Title: Heather James, Human Resources Specialist
• Department Contact Telephone or Email: [e-mail]

Academic Personnel Office Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Academic Personnel Office at [e-mail].

Please note: The Academic Personnel Office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

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.