Junior Engineering Research Associate

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department

Highway Safety Research-633600

Career Area

Research Professionals

Posting Open Date

02 / 06 / 2026

Application Deadline

02 / 19 / 2026

Open Until Filled

No

Position Type

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title

Junior Engineering Research Associate

Appointment Type

EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number

20074669

Vacancy ID

NF0009522

Full Time / Part Time

Full-Time Permanent

FTE

Hours per week

40

Position Location

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range

Dependent on Qualifications

Proposed Start Date

03 / 02 / 2026

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

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 UNC Highway Safety Research Center (HSRC), founded by the North Carolina State Legislature in 1965, works to reduce deaths and injuries on North Carolina's roads and the entire nation. The Center advances these goals across all surface transportation modes through a balanced, interdisciplinary program of research, evaluation, information dissemination, and training. HSRC works with communities and transportation professionals locally, nationally, and worldwide. We are a leader in the field of transportation research, embrace a safe systems approach, and are focused on safety for all.

Position Summary

This Junior Research Associate position will assist in conducting transportation safety research through data analysis and applications of statistical methods. This candidate may work on more than one project at any given time under different principal investigators and therefore must be able to adapt to changing environments based on project needs. Typical work may include compiling and preparing data for analysis, conducting preliminary analyses (e.g., preparing descriptive statistics), and regression modeling. This position may also assist in conducting field reviews, performing literature reviews, contributing to technical reporting, and preparing presentations. The candidate should be self-organized, comfortable working independently, and communicate effectively with others. Experience working with crash data, roadway characteristics data, speed and / or volume data is ideal, and having a conceptual knowledge of crash modification factors is highly desirable. If the candidate is not experienced in working with crash data specifically, then related knowledge about statistical analysis and methods is required. If the candidate does not have transportation experience, the candidate should be able to quickly learn and adapt their knowledge to the transportation field.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

A Master's Degree in an appropriate discipline, including (but not limited to) city and regional planning, civil engineering, geography, public health, statistics, or another analytical field. For candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. The candidate must have the ability to work within a research environment and adhere to UNC communication and privacy policies. Experience working with databases and statistical programs such R or SAS is required.Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong capacity for independence, motivation, communication, technical writing, and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

A Master's Degree in an appropriate discipline, including (but not limited to) city and regional planning, civil engineering, geography, public health, statistics, or another analytical field is preferred. Course work with emphasis in transportation engineering is highly desirable. Experience with modeling software such as VISSIM or Synchro is desirable.

Special Physical / Mental Requirements

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

Quick Link

https : / / unc.peopleadmin.com / postings / 312841

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title

Department Contact Telephone or Email

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.