Research Scientist (Multi-Positions)

University of North Carolina Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 29,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for the position of Temporary Research Scientist (Multi-Positions). This role involves conducting research and developing experimental plans in computer science and related interdisciplinary fields.

The incumbent will design computational methods, software, simulations, and procedures to meet project goals. The successful candidate independently conducts research, analyzes data, and documents methods and findings.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in a related area.
• No required certifications or licensure.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and develop plans for experiments, studies, and technical investigations.
• Review and analyze current scientific literature; design and implement computational methods and software to meet objectives.
• Independently conduct research activities, manage data, and document results; troubleshoot and determine next steps.
• Develop and test software and computational tools; explore AI, ML, data science, cybersecurity, VR, or HCI as project needs.
• Train and mentor graduate/undergraduate students and project personnel under supervision.

Skills

Research

Data analysis

Computational methods

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service.

Widely acknowledged for its world‑class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.

A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation's only bachelor's degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

• Department: Computer Science - 32331
• Vacancy Number: TSP5722PST
• Working Title: Temporary Research Scientist (Multi-Positions)
• Job Title: Research Analyst II
• Job Category: Research
• FLSA for Position: Nonexempt
• Work Hours: Varies
• Work Days: Varies
• Hours Per Week: Varies
• Anticipated Hiring Range: $20.00 - $35.00/hour
• Number of Openings: Multi-Positions
• Job Posting Date: 09/04/2026
• Job Closing Date: 11/15/2026

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

Work typically involves conducting research and developing specific plans for experiments, studies, and technical investigations within assigned areas of computer science and related interdisciplinary fields. The position requires reviewing and analyzing current scientific and technical literature; designing, adapting, and implementing computational methods, algorithms, software, simulations, prototypes, and experimental procedures to meet specific research objectives.

The Temporary Research Scientist independently conducts research activities, collects, manages, analyzes, and interprets experimental and computational data, and documents research methods, results, and findings. Work requires sufficient theoretical and technical knowledge to work effectively in the assigned area of inquiry, as well as independent judgment in planning and conducting research activities, troubleshooting technical challenges, evaluating results, and identifying appropriate next steps.

Responsibilities may include developing and testing software and computational tools; working with artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or other emerging technologies as appropriate to the project; preparing technical documentation, research reports, presentations, publications, and other project deliverables; and contributing to grant-funded research activities.

Work may also include training, mentoring, and providing technical guidance to graduate and undergraduate students, research assistants, or other project personnel in specific research methods, software tools, data collection procedures, and technical activities. The position works under the general supervision of a principal investigator or faculty research supervisor, with progress and results reviewed through periodic meetings, reports, presentations, and other research deliverables in relation to established project objectives.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

As a guide, graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in a related area.

Required Certifications or Licensure

No Required Certifications or Licensure

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please Note: This is a temporary position. The length of the assignment will be based on department need with the possibility of continuation.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.