Data Science and AI Research Methodologist

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.

Founded in 1924, the Odum Institute for Research in Social Science provides training, consultation, and research support services to faculty, staff, and students across the UNC-Chapel Hill campus and beyond. Odum expands Carolina's impact by providing education and support for planning, implementing, and disseminating research. We work to advance rigorous and reproducible research across the data, social and health sciences, while building collaborative, trans-disciplinary research networks. Positioned in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the Institute is funded through state/university appropriations and grants/contracts led by Institute staff.

The Odum Institute for Research in Social Science is seeking a Data Science and AI Research Methodologist to provide support for UNC research programs that are implementing cutting-edge scientific methods using artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs), and other new approach methods (NAMs) to accelerate discoveries in the social, health, and data sciences. This position builds upon the Odum Institute's strengths in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research methodology training, data collection and sampling design, and advanced statistical analysis to promote scientific rigor and reproducibility in AI- and machine learning-powered research.

The Data Science and AI Research Methodologist is a researcher with experience applying knowledge and skills in advanced statistical analysis, machine learning, natural language processing, and AI technologies to scientific research study and experiment design, big data mining and processing, algorithm development, and complex computational analysis. They have expertise in the ethical issues of using AI tools and other NAMs in scientific research to design and implement research methods and workflows that uphold standards for the responsible conduct of research. Ideal candidates also have a proven track record of successful cross-disciplinary research team collaboration and strong evidence of teaching excellence.

The primary purpose of the Data Science and AI Research Methodologist position is to provide study project consultation, research methods training, data management services, and grant proposal support to the UNC research community engaged in research that uses AI and other emerging technologies to meet standards of rigorous, responsible, reproducible science. Responsibilities of this position include:

- Consulting with research teams on the design and implementation of AI/ NAM-powered research studies and experiments
- Developing and delivering training programs in AI/ NAM techniques for scientific research with an emphasis on research ethics and rigor
- Providing advanced data management services, including syntax and code review, that support research transparency and reproducibility in accordance with standards and best practices
- Contributing to the development of proposals for AI/ NAM-powered research and other related initiatives to promote growth and innovation in novel research approaches
- Engaging with UNC research stakeholders in campus-wide initiatives to build capacity in emerging research technologies.

This position is ideal for a talented methodologist with a passion for research methodology innovations, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and research rigor and reproducibility.

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.

- Demonstrated experience in research design, validation, and replication.
- Proficiency in at least one programming language commonly used in AI and research methods (e.g., Python, R, STATA, MPlus).
- Experience teaching, mentoring, or training in academic or research settings.
- Familiarity with ethical considerations in AI-enhanced research, especially in sensitive domains.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across interdisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated interest in keeping abreast of emerging AI technologies and agility in learning new tools to support their use in campus research.
- Exceptional attention to detail when reviewing research methods and products.

- PhD in a relevant field, or Master's degree with at least 5 years of experience in a relevant field such as social science, biomedical sciences, computer science, data science, or research methodology.
- Experience supporting both internal institutional research and external collaborations.
- Proven track record of successful grant writing and funding acquisition.
- Experience with AI applications in clinical or biomedical research contexts.
- Familiarity with platforms such as Jupyter, GitHub, Azure AI, and Copilot Studio.
- Experience with local LLM deployment and usage in research environments (e.g., Ollama, LM Studio, GPT4All, LocalAI, AnythingLLM).
- Knowledge of reproducibility frameworks and open science practices.
- Proficient in reviewing syntax and programming code for statistical packages such as Python, R, STATA or MPlus

No special physical or mental requirements beyond those typical for professional research and teaching roles. The position may require occasional travel for training, workshops, or collaboration.

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.