Research Scientist

About the Role

This position serves as a research scientist on two autism-focused projects involving research synthesis, evidence translation, and dissemination to support practice and decision-making. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Project Details

• Project EXPRESS: Dissemination of findings from a school-based intervention study comparing two interventions for autistic middle school students, including interventions focused on executive functioning and peer relationships and friendships.
• AFIRM-AI: Identifying, evaluating, and disseminating evidence-based practices for autistic children and youth from birth to age 22.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to systematic review and meta-analysis activities
• Apply research expertise to study screening, quality appraisal, and data extraction
• Interpret findings and develop dissemination tools and products for educators and other stakeholders

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or a combination of related education and experience in substitution. Demonstrated knowledge of research methods and experience contributing to research projects involving literature review, data collection, data management, analysis, interpretation, or dissemination. Ability to apply research concepts to the synthesis and communication of findings. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently on assigned research tasks, and contribute effectively to collaborative research efforts. Proficiency with standard computer applications and research-related software or platforms (e.g., REDCap).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience disseminating research findings or evidence-based practices to researchers, practitioners, or community stakeholders through manuscripts, presentations, reports, briefs, web resources, or other dissemination products
• Experience with implementation research, procedural evaluation studies, or school-based intervention research
• Experience with interventions for autistic individuals, especially children and youth
• Knowledge of systematic review methods, including study screening, quality appraisal, and data extraction for single-case experimental design and group design studies
• Experience developing tools, resources, or products for educators or other end users

About the Organization

The UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG) is one of the nation's oldest and largest multidisciplinary centers devoted to the study of children and their families. As one of the nation's leading child development research centers, we generate scientific evidence, inform policies, and support practices to promote positive developmental and educational outcomes for children of all backgrounds and abilities from infancy to adolescence. FPG has a particular focus on the study of vulnerable populations and those who have special needs. In addition, FPG is committed to creating a place where everyone is welcome, supported, and has the resources they need to grow and thrive regardless of identity, origin, or difference in circumstances as well as engaging in work that addresses critical issues related to educational inequality and barriers to inclusion that impact children's wellbeing. Approximately 280 researchers, implementation and technical assistance specialists, staff, and students work on more than 75 projects related to developmental disabilities; physical, social, and emotional health; early care and education; early intervention and special education, prevention science, and more to address important issues facing all children and families. Our work spans across disciplines from education and psychology to social work and public health. We collaborate with researchers across campus and throughout the nation. At FPG, transdisciplinary collaboration is a way to leverage collective expertise for comprehensive and relevant research and outreach, and is embodied in our motto: Advancing knowledge to transform children's lives.