Duke University, Social Science Research Institute
Position ID:
Duke-SSRI-RARHEH [#32256]
Position Title:
Research Associate
Position Type:
Administration
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America
Subject Area:
Appl Deadline:
(posted 2026/06/26, listed until 2026/12/26)
Position Description:
Position Description
DUKE UNIVERSITY, INTERDISCIPLINARY RURAL HEALTH EQUITY HUB Role: Civic Science Fellow, Interdisciplinary Rural Health Equity Hub Context: Interdisciplinary Rural Health Equity Hub at Duke University The Interdisciplinary Rural Health Equity Hub is a Duke University initiative focused on advancing rural health equity through interdisciplinary collaboration, community partnership, and action-oriented scholarship. Bringing together expertise from Nursing, Engineering, Divinity, and the Social Science Research Institute, the Hub works to strengthen connections between research and the priorities, experiences, and expertise of rural communities across North Carolina and beyond. Core Hub activities include a Rural Health Community of Practice, pilot funding provision, and a Regional Rural Incubator that supports community-academic innovation and problem-solving. The Rural Health Equity Hub was selected by the Civic Science Fellowship program to host a Civic Science Fellow for its 2026-2028 cohort. Context: Civic Science Fellows Program The national Civic Science Fellows program (https://civicsciencefellows.org/) brings together an interdisciplinary network of journalists, bench and social scientists, community-facing practitioners, content creators, public-interest organizations, and funders to develop evidence-based, human-centered approaches to build meaningful collaboration between science and diverse communities. The Civic Science Fellows are thought leaders, bridge builders, change agents, and communicators working to learn about community priorities and scientific research, and to bring those worlds together on equal footing to create the conditions for more inclusive and holistic problem-solving that broadens the benefits of science. Fellows are embedded in networked organizations, typically for 18 months, to co-create and pilot cutting-edge civic science projects—forging connections between science, technology, and civic life. Position Summary The Rural Health Equity Civic Science Fellow, based at Duke but part of a national Civic Science Fellow program (https://civicsciencefellows.org/), will help strengthen connections between scientific research and rural communities by supporting collaborative learning, community engagement, partnership development, and knowledge translation activities across the Hub. Working closely with academic and community partners, the Fellow will help identify priorities, facilitate collaboration, and contribute to the co-development of solutions that address rural health challenges. This position is ideal for an individual with applied, academic, or combined experience in research, community engagement, public health, healthcare, rural development, or related fields who is committed to advancing rural health equity through collaborative, community-centered approaches. Specific activities will be informed by the Fellow's expertise and interests, as well as the evolving needs and priorities of community partners and Hub initiatives. Example responsibilities may include: • Supporting the Rural Health Community of Practice and related partnership-building activities. • Assisting with planning and facilitation of community-engaged events, workshops, and convenings. • Supporting the Regional Rural Incubator through community engagement, collaborative problem solving, and project development activities. • Developing and disseminating practical products such as toolkits, frameworks, implementation guides, briefs, or other translational resources. • Contributing to or leading action research, evaluation, or community-engaged projects conducted in partnership with local organizations and communities. • Synthesizing lessons learned and identifying opportunities to strengthen rural health equity efforts across the region. • Supporting grant proposals to strengthen and continue the Rural Health Equity efforts. Qualifications Master's degree or higher strongly preferred. PhD welcome but not required. Candidates should possess either: • Applied professional experience relevant to rural health equity, community health, public health, healthcare delivery, community development, or related fields; OR • Academic experience with demonstrated experience in, or strong potential for, community-partnered or community-engaged research. Candidates should also possess: • Community engagement and partnership development • Facilitation and collaborative leadership • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups • Project coordination and organizational skills • Interest in rural health, health equity, and community-centered approaches to change • Ability to translate knowledge into practical, actionable resources This role is based in Durham, NC, and may include work in Vance, Granville, and surrounding Counties. A candidate should reside in the local area to be available for in-person activities and needs. Per the timeline of the Civic Science Fellowship, this Fellowship is planned for 19 months (Sept. 2026-June 2028). The position is contingent on funding from the Civic Science Fellowship program.Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke University aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info: