Job Description
Posting Information
Posting Information
Department
Carolina Population Center - 631100
Career Area
Research Professionals
Posting Open Date
12/08/2025
Application Deadline
02/02/2026
Position Type
Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
GFRP FERN Intern
Position Number
20027210, 20032892, and 20027211
Vacancy ID
S026499
Full-time/Part-time
Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week
40
Work Schedule
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$21.00 per hour
Proposed Start Date
05/26/2026
Estimated Duration of Appointment
3 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
Since 1966, researchers at the Carolina Population Center have pioneered data collection and research techniques that move population science forward by emphasizing life course approaches, longitudinal surveys, the integration of biological measurement into social surveys, and attention to context and environment. We are also at the forefront of creating interdisciplinary training programs that integrate approaches from the social and biological sciences, building research capacity and training the next generation of scholars. Our faculty fellows address pressing research questions about population dynamics, fertility, health, mortality, migration, and the environment. Faculty come from multiple disciplines, benefitting from the cross-pollination of ideas. Our dedicated research and programming staff support fellows at every stage of project development, from conception through data collection or acquisition, analysis and dissemination, and project administration.
Position Summary
Researchers at the Global Food Research Program (Drs. Marissa Hall, Shu Wen Ng, and Lindsey Smith Taillie) are seeking summer interns to join our highly collaborative, interdisciplinary team for a 9-week fellowship. Our mission is to evaluate the impact of food policies such as warning labels, taxes, and marketing restrictions for unhealthy foods, with a focus on advancing health equity. The interns will support the study team in food policy research as well as conduct independent research. No research experience is required. More information about the position can be found at
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
* Undergraduate student with 2nd-year or higher academic standing in Spring 2026 OR community college student with exposure to science course work who has been accepted at a 4-year university to start in August/Fall Semester 2026
* Expressed interest in food and nutrition research.
* Expressed interest in pursuing further education following completion of undergraduate degree. Applicants should be interested in pursuing advanced degrees or credentials in public health or nutrition e.g., Master of Public Health, Master of Science (MS), Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). This opportunity is specifically for applicants interested in graduate school, not medical school or other health professional schools.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
* High level of organizational skills and attention to detail.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Please attach:
* Curriculum Vitae / Resume * Cover Letter addressed to FERN Committee * Unofficial transcript * Contact information for 2 references (name, relationship, number, email) no reference letter needed.
NOTE:Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not permitted when answering the supplemental essay questions. GFRP will submit written essay answers to AI detection programs (e.g., iThenticate). Suspected violations will be dismissed from our selection process.
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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.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Summer internship, Live in, Work at office, Local area,