Post-Doc Research Associate

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Posted on Dec 6, 2025

Post-Doc Research Associate

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

Posting Information

Posting Details
Department Toxicology Curriculum - 429601
Posting Open Date 12/05/2025
Application Deadline 12/09/2025
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate
Vacancy ID PDS004730
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week 40
FTE 1
Work Location Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
Proposed Start Date 01/01/2026
Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months
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 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.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.

Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education: We prepare tomorrow`s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.
Position Summary
This is a postdoctoral position that provides training for the next generation of scientists in environmental health and toxicology. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be engaged in original and hypothesis-driven research projects addressing important toxicological and environmental health issues. Training will prepare for independent careers in academia, government or industry in jobs related to environmental health or toxicology. Using in silico, in vitro, in vivo, as well as human translational research approaches, the goal of the postdoctoral research is to elucidate the pathogenesis of exposure to toxic agents. Specific expertise in respiratory toxicology and the effects of wildfire smoke and skills in multi ’omics dataset integration are preferred.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
PhD on related field.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The postdoc considered for this position should have between 0 and 3 years of post-doctoral experience. The trainee must have a PhD degree in biochemistry, toxicology, molecular biology or a closely related discipline. Formal education and research experience in air pollution and/or chemical safety research with focus on experimental systems that define health outcomes will enhance the research experience.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Formal education and research experience in cell culture technique and molecular analysis of responses are desirable.
Demonstrated education and/or experience in cellular toxicity testing with particular focus on inhalation toxicology and in vitro exposure systems are preferred.
Additional interest in computational biology and pathway analysis with associated experience in commercial software applications is appreciated.
Mammalian cell culture, preferably air-liquid interface (ALI) cell culture and organotypic airway models
Development and optimization of cell-based toxicity assays
Benchmark dose modeling and pathway analysis of transcriptomic datasets
Operation and maintenance of ALI exposure systems
Experience in conducting PFAS inhalation exposure
Analytical chemistry experience in extraction and preparation of cell and tissue samples for LC-MS analysis
Ability to coordinate exposure schedules and data distribution
Data management, including written reports of laboratory activities, instrument status, system modifications, and data summaries
Present data and results in internal meetings and/or professional conferences
Contribute to formal publication of research findings through public reports or journal articles.
Good interpersonal and language skills
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/310258
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Melanie Cruz Padilla- HR Consultant
Department Contact Telephone or Email mcruzp0629@gmail.com
Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
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.
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.

Optional and Required Documents

Required Documents
  1. Curriculum Vitae / Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents
  1. List of References

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).