GFRP Research Associate

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retail discounts

Child care savings

Special rates for performing arts

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a GFRP Research Associate to analyze large-scale population data on food policies. You will collaborate with UNC colleagues and global partners to interpret results and support manuscripts and policy brief development.

The role requires experience with longitudinal data, advanced statistics, and proficiency in data management. Strong communication skills and publication history are preferred for this time-limited, 0.5 FTE position based in

Qualifications

• Five+ years of experience analyzing large and complex datasets, cross-sectional and longitudinal.
• Strong understanding of food labeling regulations and international guidelines.
• Knowledge of food classification frameworks, ultraprocessed foods, and nutrient models.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret data from household food purchases and nutrition datasets.
• Develop and adapt statistical models; run diagnostics and validate results.
• Co-author manuscripts, reports and policy briefs for dissemination.

Skills

Data analysis

Longitudinal data

Statistical methods

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Teams

Job description

Posting Information

Department: Carolina Population Center - 631100

Career Area: Research Professionals

Application Deadline: 10/16/2026

Position Type: Temporary Staff (EHRA NF)

Position Title: GFRP Research Associate

Position Number: 20078964

Vacancy ID: N000898

FTE: 0.5

Hours Per Week: 20

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $45,000 - $50,000, dependent on qualifications based on .5FTE

Proposed Start Date: 12/01/2026

Estimated Duration of Appointment: 12 months

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

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

As a member of the Global Food Research Program (GFRP) team, the GFRP Research Associate contributes to studies examining the impact of food and beverage policies in the US and around the world. GFRP research projects include evaluating the effect of policies and proposals using large-scale population-level datasets on the food supply, food purchases, prices, dietary intake, and health. The GFRP Research Associate works closely with our interdisciplinary team and collaborates with research staff, students, programmers, project managers, and many colleagues at UNC and across the globe.

The GFRP Research Associate is responsible for planning, interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating results using household food purchase panel data, retail food sales, and packaged food and beverage nutritional data; thus experience with large and complex datasets is required. Expertise in longitudinal and other advanced statistical methods is required, as is the ability to develop and adapt statistical models, conducting diagnostics and management of these data. Familiarity with packaged food and beverage product labelling regulations and implications for data quality, methods, and analyses is required as is familiarity with the application of ultraprocessed food definitions and other nutrient and food classification systems. This position is expected to independently conduct data analysis with input from the GFRP Co-Directors and the research team, and to interpret, and validate and/or redirect research methodology, plans, and publications based on outcome of analyses and results. This position may provide consultation to both the GFRP team and collaborators as an expert involving complex data and methods; the ability and willingness to work with a large mix of people and work styles is critical.

The GFRP Research Associate provides research, analytical and technical writing support on research protocols, papers, manuscripts and deliverables for GFRP Co-Directors Drs. Shu Wen Ng, Lindsey Smith Taillie, and collaborators. This role includes co-authoring manuscripts, publications, and reports. A critical piece of GFRP's research and evaluation is the time-sensitive dissemination of research findings to stakeholders to inform development and refinement of food policies. As needed, this position may also be responsible for the development of presentations, policy briefs, fact sheets, presentations, and other materials required to disseminate these findings in a time-sensitive manner and may serve as primary presenter. This position may collaborate with GFRP Co-Directors in the conception and design of original research.

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

• At least five years of experience independently analyzing experimental and non-experimental data, including cross-sectional and longitudinal data from large and complex datasets, such as food composition tables, large-scale datasets of packaged food products or household grocery purchases and experience with data management and analysis
• Strong understanding of food labeling regulations and guidelines at the international level and implications for national level regulatory operationalization and implementation.
• Strong understanding of food classification frameworks and their application to food supply data, including ultraprocessed foods, food additives, food categories, and nutrient-based models
• Lead authorship at least 10 peer-reviewed publications as well as additional co-authored publications
• Strong interpersonal, and written and verbal communication to communicate effectively with staff and collaborators.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft Office and Teams
• Prior experience in authoring successful peer-reviewed publications is necessary.
• Knowledge of social/clinical research principles, study design, methods, statistics and analysis used to identify and communicate trends and develop strategies to guide projects, programs, or new initiatives

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• A doctoral degree in nutrition, public health, or a related field with a strong emphasis on scientific writing, data analysis skills and scientific communications.
• Experience working on multiple projects at a time with possibly competing deadlines.
• Experience working with a diverse set of collaborators across different countries, cultures and time zones.
• Experience in nutrition and disease prevention research.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

None.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326785

Contact Information

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 [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]. 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.