Research Assistant

25-30 hours/week through December 2025, increasing to 40 hours/week January 2026 and onwards

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. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

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 that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

Since 1966, researchers at the Carolina Population Center have pioneered data collection and research techniques that move population science forward by emphasizing life course approaches, longitudinal surveys, the integration of biological measurement into social surveys, and attention to context and environment. We are also at the forefront of creating interdisciplinary training programs that integrate approaches from the social and biological sciences, building research capacity and training the next generation of scholars. Our faculty fellows address pressing research questions about population dynamics, fertility, health, mortality, migration, and the environment. Faculty come from multiple disciplines, benefiting from the cross-pollination of ideas. Our dedicated research and programming staff support fellows at every stage of project development, from conception through data collection or acquisition, analysis and dissemination, and project administration. https://www.cpc.unc.edu/about/

UNC seeks a time-limited temporary Research Assistant to join Dr. Marissa Hall's Policy Insights Lab (https://www.policyinsightslab.com/). The lab conducts research to inform food, tobacco, and alcohol policies designed to improve public health.

The Research Assistant position is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in conducting research and working with an interdisciplinary research team that values high-quality research with public health impact and a supportive and collaborative working environment. This is an 11-month, time-limited position. This is an in-person position that requires working in Chapel Hill. The position may require some evening and weekend hours. The position will also require reliable transportation.

The Research Assistant will support an NIH-funded research study testing the effects of pictorial health warnings on sugar-sweetened beverage ( SSB) purchases in a randomized clinical trial. This policy-relevant study will evaluate whether these warning labels can effectively reduce purchases and consumption of SSBs in a real-world setting. Participants will attend 4 weekly in-person visits and take surveys regarding their SSB intake. The Research Assistant will contribute to data collection for the multi-city trial using the UNC Mini Mart. The Mini Mart is a physical convenience store laboratory that provides a controlled environment in which researchers can study the impact of policies and interventions on consumer behavior. A key function of this role is recruiting study participants for the trial. This role also includes screening and scheduling study participants, consenting eligible participants, implementing the study protocol (including online surveys and in-person data collection), disbursing study incentives to participants, assisting with data entry, and other administrative tasks.

Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

* Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills
* Comfortable working both in teams and independently
* Exceptional attention to detail and ability to multi-task
* Proficient using computer software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
* Fluent in Spanish (spoken and written)

* Experience working on human subjects research
* Experience working with Hispanic and/or Latino populations
* Experience in public health research

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.

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.