Research Director

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department Epidemiology - 463501 Career Area Research Professionals Application Deadline 08/17/2026 Position Type Temporary Staff (EHRA NF) Position Title Research Director Position Number 20078108 Vacancy ID N000887 Full-time/Part-time FTE 0.5 Hours Per Week 20 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Proposed Start Date 09/01/2026 Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 months

Position Information

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Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Department of Epidemiology is one of the eight departments located in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The department's primary focus is to the development and application of research methods to understand the patterns and causes of health and disease, and the application of that knowledge to improving the health of populations. We provide strong training in research methods and opportunities for the application of epidemiology to a wide range of health problems through our research. The achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have enabled us to become one of the leading academic departments of epidemiology in the world. At UNC-CH, Epidemiology is one of the largest and most complex departments on campus. For FY25, Epidemiology was 5th among all departments and centers across campus in research funding at UNC Chapel Hill. The department has 38 Tenured-Tenure Track / 8 Joint Tenure-Track Faculty, 19 Fixed Term / 4 Joint Fixed Term Faculty, 119 Adjuncts, 33 EHRA Non-Faculty, 21 Postdocs, 22 SHRA, 29 Temps, and 226 Students (146 PhD Students, 69 Applied Epi MPH, 11 MSCR) for whom Epidemiology pays 146 as RA/TA/Trainees/Fellows. Total departmental budget of $49 million (FY25).

Position Summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Public Health has received funding from several federal grants to conduct research in the area of reproductive and pediatric epidemiology. These studies, overseen by an established research group, seek to identify influences on child health and neurodevelopment. Areas of focus include surveillance for autism and other developmental disabilities as well as genetic and environmental factors that impact children's growth, transition to adulthood, and general health. The Research Director will oversee the planning, coordination, organizing and reporting for all phases of research activities, which includes development of research protocols, recruitment, data collection, coordination with laboratories, human resource management, fiscal management and reporting, and preparation of reports to funding agencies relevant to the research projects involved. The Research Director will coordinate and interact with multiple collaborative groups necessary for each research project.

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

This position requires extensive experience managing epidemiologic and public health research studies. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years (preference to those with 10 or more years) coordinating and directing research staff in the conduct of recruitment, data collection, survey research, obtaining biological samples, tracking hard-to-reach cohorts and data cleaning, coding and analyses. This person must be able to multitask amongst numerous projects with a variety of investigative and collaborative teams. Strong data and computer skills required. Supervisory experience is highly desired- this person will be hiring, training, managing and conducting performance reviews on research staff. Must have experience working with federal funding agencies, academic IRBs, HIPAA compliance, materials transfer agreements and data use agreements. Excellent organizational, documentation and communication skills are key. Requires strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently with minimal oversight from study investigators.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

NA

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/323993

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 (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.

Optional and Required Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter

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