Research Associate

UNC-Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional training opportunities

Exclusive retail and event discounts

Job summary

A leading educational institution in North Carolina seeks a Research Associate to apply systems science methods in public health and social systems. The role focuses on engaging diverse communities and translating complex insights into accessible solutions. Required qualifications include a relevant post-Baccalaureate degree or equivalent experience, along with skills in causal loop diagramming and system dynamics software. Applicants will contribute to reports and support community efforts, making a significant impact on health care delivery.

Qualifications

• Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required; Bachelor's with 3+ years relevant experience may substitute.
• Formal training in system dynamics preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing and interpreting causal loop diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Apply systems science methods to support public health and social systems.
• Facilitate participatory systems processes and translate insights into accessible products.
• Contribute to scholarly publications and support community capacity-building efforts.

Skills

Causal loop diagramming

System dynamics software (Vensim or Stella)

Community-based engagement

Strong facilitation skills

Excellent written communication

Education

Post-Baccalaureate degree or relevant experience

Job description

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

Our top-ranked Department of Health Policy and Management trains the next generation of leaders in management, policy making and research to address the complex challenges of health care delivery and produce cutting-edge research. We prepare our students to improve population health both domestically and globally. We are committed to ensuring that all people – irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, geographic origin, religion or economic resources – have access to high-quality health care services.

Position Summary

The Research Associate will apply systems science methods to support communities in understanding, navigating, and driving change within complex public health and social systems. This position will focus on building, refining, and applying causal loop diagrams and related system dynamics tools in partnership with community members, subject-matter experts, and cross-sector stakeholders.
The Research Associate will facilitate participatory systems processes, translate complex systems insights into accessible products, contribute to scholarly and applied publications, and support capacity-building efforts that enable communities to use systems tools to strengthen collaboration and inform action.

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

• Formal training in system dynamics (e.g., causal loop diagramming, group model building, simulation modeling)
• Demonstrated experience developing and interpreting causal loop diagrams
• Proficiency using system dynamics software (either Vensim or Stella)
• Experience applying system dynamics or systems thinking in community-based or participatory contexts Strong facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences
• Excellent written skills, including experience contributing to reports or publications
• Ability to work collaboratively while managing independent analytical work

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Prior work in public health, social services, behavioral health, or other complex human systems
• Comfort working in ambiguity, iteration, and evolving project environment

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

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.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)

• * Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or mostly closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
  • Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
  • None of the above