Soc/Clin Research Assistant

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 for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The primary purpose of the Psychology and Neuroscience Department is to provide excellent education, research and service in the field. This goal breaks down into four important components: 1) to teach psychology and neuroscience to undergraduates in a manner that will introduce them vigorously to its broad scope; 2) to offer scientific and professional training to graduate students in the areas of behavioral and integrative neuroscience, clinical, cognitive, developmental, quantitative, and social psychology; 3) to carry out cutting-edge research in these areas, and 4) to provide consulting and administrative support services to the science and profession of psychology as well as to the university, the community, the state, and the nation.

The Department consists of six programs: behavioral and integrative neuroscience; clinical psychology; cognitive psychology; developmental psychology; quantitative psychology, and social psychology. Each program is designed to acquaint the student thoroughly with the theoretical and research content of the specialty and to provide training in the research skills needed to become a competent and creative investigator. In addition, the programs focus on the development of appropriate professional skills.

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience ranks 2nd in the College in grant funding with over $12 million annually in grant expenditures and approximately $20 million annually in expenditures from all funds. The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience has the largest undergraduate major in the College of Arts and Sciences with approximately 1500 majors, and one of the largest graduate Ph.D. programs with approximately 120 graduate students. The Department is also home to four community clinics which generate fee revenue (Adult Clinic, Anxiety Clinic, Child and Family Clinic, Couples Clinic), known collectively as the UNC Psychology and Neuroscience Community Clinic (the Clinic).

Position Summary

This position will serve as a Research and Outreach Coordinator in the Deepest Beliefs Lab (DBL) and Center for the Science of Moral Understanding (CSMU) with Dr. Kurt Gray, Professor of Social Psychology.

Responsibilities include supporting lab-related research outreach, including maintaining lab websites and social media accounts, and coordinating opportunities for podcast appearances, interviews, and op-eds in popular media outlets. The Research and Outreach Coordinator will also help popularize the lab's research via science communication, with opportunities to assist with writing Substack articles and op-eds, as directed by the PI.

In addition to science outreach, the role includes assisting with the daily research and administrative tasks of the lab, including (but not limited to) helping the PI with recruiting and onboarding undergraduate research assistants; fielding questions from applicants as directed; completing tasks related to the submission and record-keeping of IRBs; and tracking expenses. The Research and Outreach Coordinator will also have opportunities to work closely with the PI to learn the process of conducting literature reviews, programming Qualtrics surveys, data analysis, writing papers, etc. This is an ideal position for individuals hoping to transition to graduate school in psychology or a related field.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Must be professional and have excellent organizational skills. Must have attention to detail, problem-solving abilities and be able to work independently and as a member of a team.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Prior experience and knowledge of research principles, data collection, entry, and analysis, and some programming abilities in SPSS, Qualtrics, or R preferred but not required. Prior experience with science writing/outreach and/or social media management preferred but not required. Should enjoy interacting with others and being a first point of correspondence for the lab.

Required Licenses/Certifications Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/282685