Research Assistant

Research Assistant Posting Information
Posting Information Department School of Data Sci and Society - 397100
Career Area Other
Posting Open Date 05/15/2026
Application Deadline 05/18/2026
Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Research Assistant
Position Number 20076246
Vacancy ID S027400
Full-time/Part-time Part-Time Temporary
Hours per week 15
Work Schedule Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $28.00 per hour
Proposed Start Date 06/01/2026
Estimated Duration of Appointment 2 months or less
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 that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit In 2022, UNC Chapel Hill launched the School of Data Science and Society (SDSS), a new school devoted to data science teaching, research, scholarship, service, and creativity. The SDSS vision is to be a leader in shaping the field of data science through an interdisciplinary and rigorous grounding in theory and methods with a human centric approach to the entire data life cycle. The mission of SDSS is to empower a diverse community of faculty conducting research in the fundamentals and/or the applications of data science. The school is training undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to be the next generation of data science leaders with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this data-driven world. The SDSS will serve the state, the nation, and the world through premier data science educational programs and innovative research directed to advancing the public good with human-centric and ethical applications. The core elements of the SDSS include porous borders - leveraging our low-walled collaborative Carolina culture to solve major societal problems. Interdisciplinary research clusters that cross disciplines and school boundaries are a vital element of the school. The SDSS is focused on students and education - the emphasis is not just on data science majors but on all students becoming data literate. The school's culture has an open and transparent structure, governance, and business model. Position Summary We are seeking a motivated and skilled Research Assistant to join our team at the School of Data Science and Society (SDSS). This position will report to SDSS Assistant Professor Tarek Zikry and will work collaboratively on research projects and provide statistical support for experimentalists. This position will contribute to the development of machine learning (ML) methods, algorithms for inference on clustering, and low-rank tensor decomposition of single-cell cancer data through statistical methodology, collaborative analysis, and inference results for unsupervised learning. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Management Preferences Interest in or actively pursuing education in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related field. Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable. Special Instructions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (•).