Sheps Ctr for Hlth Serv Res-633100

Research Professionals

07/14/2026

07/28/2026

No

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Research Associate

EHRA Non-Faculty

20077291

NF0009893

Full-Time Permanent

1

40

North Carolina, US

$110,000 - $140,000

08/10/2026

The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research seeks to improve the health of individuals, families, and populations by understanding the problems, issues, and alternatives in the design and delivery of health care services. This is accomplished through an interdisciplinary program of research, consultation, technical assistance, and training that focuses on timely and policy-relevant questions concerning the accessibility, adequacy, organization, cost, and effectiveness of health care services, and the dissemination of this information to policymakers and the general public.

The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is recruiting a Research Scientist to work under the direction of Mark Holmes in the NC Rural Health Research Program. The Research Scientist will serve as key personnel for the Sheps Center’s evaluation of the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP).

This role is ideal for a researcher with expertise in qualitative evaluation, mixed-methods research, implementation science, and learning-oriented approaches such as formative evaluation and rapid-cycle analysis. A central feature of the position will be engaging directly with stakeholders and communities affected by the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (NC RHTP). As a lead researcher and individual contributor, the Research Scientist will design, oversee, and implement qualitative, survey, and mixed-method studies focused on the NC RHTP and its initiatives.

The person in this role will lead collaborative and participatory evaluation processes with diverse stakeholders and a demonstrated ability to combine methodological rigor with strong facilitation and technical assistance skills. Working closely with NC RHTP partners including the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, regional ROOTS Hubs, community organizations, NC AHEC, and other subrecipients the Research Scientist will use stakeholder and community input to develop consensus around evaluation frameworks, logic models, and measures of program success. The position will support formative evaluation, rapid-cycle analyses, and continuous learning processes designed to provide timely and actionable feedback to program leaders and community partners.

The Research Scientist will contribute to securing new research funding and will support dissemination activities through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations at state, regional, and national conferences. The successful candidate will join the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research and contribute to its longstanding leadership in rural health research, evaluation, and policy.

Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.