Post-Doc Research Associate

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 and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The mission of the School of Social Work is to advance equity, transform systems, improve lives. The School's curriculum supports the mission and recognizes the uniqueness of the region served, including concerns for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families and communities. Classes provide rigorous and evidence-based content, and give students the opportunity to explore theory, learn intervention skills and engage in challenging dialogue with colleagues.

The School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a postdoctoral fellow under the supervision of Dr. Paul Lanier. The postdoctoral fellow will primarily implement and manage a project in partnership with Youth Villages, Inc. focusing on evaluating their Intercept and LifeSet programs. The project involves using administrative data to assess long-term outcomes associated with program participation. The postdoctoral fellow will work with existing partners to expand current work in North Carolina into additional states providing LifeSet and Intercept services.

The postdoctoral fellow will be engaged in specific substantive research topics related to programs supporting youth at risk of being placed out of the home and young adults aging out of foster care. Experience with research projects in public child welfare and behavioral health systems will be an advantage to candidates. Experience with research using administrative data (specifically child welfare and Medicaid data), intervention research design and implementation, and research-policy-practice partnerships will be useful.

There is a significant interest in a candidate with rich experience in administrative data management and quantitative data analysis. Expertise in project management of applied research partnerships with community-based organizations and state government partnerships is an added advantage.

Under this postdoctoral fellowship, the successful candidate will be provided with a supportive, multidisciplinary environment in which they can function to contribute to successfully achieving the goals of the projects. Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to develop skills in quantitative research and program evaluation. Besides Dr. Paul Lanier, the candidate may work with other faculty members and students as deemed necessary during the project period.

1 year time limited position with the possibility of renewal for an additional year if funding is available.

The candidate should have attained a Ph.D. in Social Work, Public Health, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field, and their academic orientations should align with the focus areas specified in the position description.

Candidates must have early-career scholarly experience in quantitative research, with much emphasis on prior training and experience in the analysis of observational state-level administrative data. Highly competitive candidates must have appreciable expertise in project management and research translation and dissemination.

Extensive intervention research regarding programs for youth at risk for foster care and/or youth aging out of the foster care system. Experience building and sustaining partnerships with community-based service providers as well as state government partners is preferred.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

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.