GFRP Post-Doc Research Associate

Carolina Population Center - 631100

09/30/2026

10/07/2026

No

Postdoctoral Scholar

GFRP Post-Doc Research Associate

PDS004986

Full-Time Temporary

40

1

Chapel Hill, NC

North Carolina, US

dependent on qualifications

12/01/2026

12 Months

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.

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, benefitting 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/

The Postdoctoral Research Associate (Postdoc) will work with Global Food Research Program (GFRP) Co-Directors, Professors Shu Wen Ng and Lindsey Smith Taille. GFRP research projects include evaluating and informing the effect of food and nutrition policies and proposals using large-scale population-level and administrative datasets on food purchases, prices, dietary intake, and health in the US and globally. Examples of policies and interventions to discourage unhealthy and encourage healthier diets and purchases, include taxes, healthy food incentives, food assistance programs, warning or identity labels, claims, and public procurement standards.

The Postdoc will be part of a highly-interdisciplinary collaborative team with expertise in nutrition epidemiology, food policy, health behavior, visual communications, data science and economics. The Postdoc will primarily work on time-sensitive and policy relevant US research (with opportunity for global work) and will plan, interpret, analyze, and evaluate results using household food purchase panel data, retail food sales, packaged food and beverage nutritional data and publicly available data (e.g., consumer expenditure survey, census). Expertise in longitudinal and other advanced statistical methods is required, as is the ability to develop and adapt statistical models, conducting diagnostics and management of these data. Familiarity with packaged food and beverage product labelling regulations and implications for data quality, methods, and analyses is required. The Postdoc is expected to independently draft study protocols, conduct data analysis with input from GFRP Co-Directors and research team, and to interpret, validate, and/or redirect research methodology, plans, and publications based on outcome of analyses and results. This position may provide time-sensitive consultation to GFRP team, collaborators and policymakers as an expert involving complex data and methods. Additionally, the ability and willingness to work with a large mix of people and work styles is critical. There are ample opportunities for connecting with a wider network of scientists and policymakers and for career development, including collaboration with other scientists in GFRP (e.g., Drs. Marissa Hall, Francesca Dillman-Carpentier), other faculty at the Carolina Population Center and across UNC.

Additional responsibilities:
* Prepare manuscripts in collaboration with our team, including leading first author publications;
* Develop new study ideas and incorporate into planned or new research;
* Assist with grant writing and lead own grant applications;
* Interact with collaborators on research design, implementation, and dissemination;
* Support the development of presentations, policy briefs, fact sheets, presentations, and other materials to disseminate findings;
* Engage with external stakeholders including advocacy groups, scientists, and policymakers;
* Present research at international conferences and meetings, or as guest lecturer, attend research seminars at the Global Food Research Program;
* Support and mentor undergraduate or graduate students.

We are seeking a productive, self-driven, interdisciplinary, and collaborative scientist with documented experience in population health, nutrition policies and interventions, human behavior, behavioral economics, and data science. Applications should demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of social/clinical research principles, study design, methods, statistics and analysis used to identify and communicate trends and develop strategies to guide projects. Strong understanding of the US nutrition and food policy landscape, its stakeholders and the policy process is critical. Prior experience in working in teams, strong communications skills (written and verbal) and leading successful peer-reviewed publications is necessary.

The initial term of appointment is one year, reappointment for a 2nd year likely, contingent on contributions & funding.

A PhD or equivalent in nutrition, public health and/or population sciences, social-behavioral sciences, public policy or a related behavioral science field.

Must have training in nutrition, epidemiology, social science, and quantitative statistical methods. Must have prior first author publications which include statistical analysis of large epidemiological datasets, randomized experiments, or policy evaluations. Must have prior experience in grant writing with documented success. Prior experience working with food and beverage purchase data required. Demonstrated experience working on interdisciplinary teams required.

Demonstrated scientific communication skills and translation of research for informing policy. Prior qualitative research exposure or involvement. Spatial analysis skills. Understanding of the federal nutrition policy landscape, stakeholders and current issues. Fluency in Spanish, French or an Asian language is preferred.

Applicants must attach their curriculum vitae, a relevant publication, cover letter summarizing qualifications, and a list of 3 references.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here