University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Hiring for Research Associate at Chapel Hill, NC Full Time

Department Highway Safety Research-633600

Career Area Research Professionals

Posting Open Date 04/11/2022

Application Deadline 04/24/2022

Open Until Filled No

Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title Research Associate

Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number 20034206

Vacancy ID NF0005845

Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent

FTE 1

Hours per week 40

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range $45,700 – $65,700

Proposed Start Date 06/06/2022

Position Information

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The UNC Highway Safety Research Center (HSRC), founded by the North Carolina State Legislature in 1965, works to reduce deaths and injuries on North Carolina’s roads and the entire nation. The Center advances these goals across all surface transportation modes through a balanced, interdisciplinary program of research, evaluation, information dissemination, and training. HSRC works with communities and transportation professionals locally, nationally, and worldwide. We are a leader in the field of transportation research, embrace a safe systems approach, and are focused on safety for all.

Position Summary

The University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center (HSRC), located in Chapel Hill, is seeking a Research Associate who will be a key team member in community-based injury prevention research and outreach, with an emphasis on road safety.

Bridging both the realms of research and practice, this position requires an energetic, strategic thinker, with a diverse skill set. The person selected for this position will assist on projects examining the social and behavioral factors that contribute to road safety. This position has a heavy focus on program implementation and community engagement. Potential projects span a variety of road safety topics including seat belts, car seats, older adult drivers, teen drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Examples of projects currently underway include:

• promotion of correct car seat and seat belt use (www.buckleupnc.org)
• improving senior driver safety (www.ncseniordriver.org)
• helping parents prepare teens for getting their driver’s license (www.ncteendriver.org)
• supporting safe walking and bicycling for children and youth (www.visionzeroforyouth.org; www.walkbiketoschool.org)

Specific tasks will vary depending on currently funded projects, but responsibilities could include:

• Community outreach (in-person, written, web-based)
• Program / research project implementation and coordination
• Planning virtual and in-person events (trainings, meetings, etc)
• Conducting literature reviews
• Data collection (observational, surveys, interviews)
• Managing administrative project tasks
• Coordinating a network of community-based partners
• Contributing to written reports

This is a full-time, non-tenure track position. This position may be eligible for hybrid or remote work. Occasional travel may be necessary to fulfill project objectives.

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

Excellent written and oral communication skills as well as a demonstrated ability to relate well to diverse audiences including community leaders, the general public, and other university departments is necessary to be successful.

The ideal candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated with the ability to handle multiple competing priorities at once. Candidates for this position should expect to work on several projects at any given time, and with more than one project leader, so the ability to adapt to changing teams is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

A master’s degree in public health, health behavior, psychology, sociology, social work, public policy, planning, or other related field is preferred. A bachelor’s degree with three or more years of experience working in transportation safety, injury prevention, health education or another related field may be considered in lieu of a master’s degree. Experience and knowledge related to roadway safety and/or public health/social science research are preferred.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/226932