Post-Doc Research Associate

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 and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The Department of Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill is dedicated to the discovery and dissemination of new and existing knowledge in the broad discipline of Biology by maintaining a high-quality faculty who integrate cutting-edge research and student-focused teaching.

We are one of the largest academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. We have over 3,450 majors and we enroll undergraduate students in over 7,870 seats in our classes each semester. Each fall or spring semester, we offer 52 classes (70 sections) and 13 lab courses (93 sections). Our average total annual expenditure exceeds $24 million, with nearly half of that coming from grant sponsored research. Our department has nearly $70 million in active grants to support our twin missions of research and teaching. Our large research base spans many areas of biology and supports several outstanding graduate programs. We consist of 49 tenure-track faculty, 12 teaching faculty, 4 research faculty, and numerous active adjunct and emeritus faculty who are engaged in basic and interdisciplinary research and teaching, both within the department and between other departments and schools at UNC.

We currently have approximately 50 graduate students and 23 post-docs. We also employ approximately 85 additional graduate and undergraduate students from across the university to assist in our teaching and research missions. Further, we are supported by an administrative staff of 16, with an additional 15 staff directly supporting research.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will carry out research on the molecular and physical mechanisms of microtubule cytoskeletal dynamics in oogenesis, cell division and animal development. They will be expected to use the following methodologies and to be able to carry out these techniques with a high degree of independence: model organism maintenance and genetics, high-resolution microscopy, image data analysis, statistics, written and oral scientific communication, and training of colleagues. The postdoc will contribute to the completion of federally funded projects on the molecular and physical mechanisms of cell division and oogenesis and innovate extensions of this funded work. They will continue to pursue external, independent funding. They will write research summaries and manuscripts. They will pose and test hypotheses, as well as carry out exploratory work. They will attend weekly group meetings and present your progress orally and via written reports. They will attend and present their work at local and international conferences and interact with colleagues in a professional, collegial, and trustworthy fashion. Finally, they will communicate often and openly with their mentor to promote preparation for their independent career.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will also serve as Instructor of Record (will teach) one UNC Biology undergraduate course per semester (Fall & Spring, or, Fall or Spring + Summer). Based on departmental need, they may be assigned to co-teach with an experienced instructor or may be solely responsible for course delivery.

While teaching, the Postdoctoral Research Associate is expected to devote 50% of their work time to their original research. While not teaching, 90% focus on research (with 10% dedication to pedagogical training) is expected.

PhD in molecular biology, biology or a related field

Qualifications include demonstrated research excellence in a field of Biology, a demonstrated track record of publishing in top academic journals, and experience with undergraduate teaching.

Successful candidates may also have experience in model organism maintenance and genetics, high-resolution microscopy, image data analysis, statistics, written and oral scientific communication, and training of colleagues.

None

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

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.