Post-Doc Research Associate

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Posted on Jan 6, 2026

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 Pharmacology - 424001
Posting Open Date 01/05/2026
Application Deadline 01/07/2026
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate
Vacancy ID PDS004746
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 01/05/2026
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
The UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing 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. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be the nation’s leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.
OUR MISSION
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 will 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 will prepare tomorrow’s health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.
Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.
Position Summary
A position is available for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (RA) in the lab of Dr. Nicholas Brown, Department of Pharmacology and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Brown Lab uses cutting-edge structural biology techniques (e.g., cryo-EM) to understand mechanisms of ubiquitin ligases that drive the cell cycle. Ultimately, these studies will provide fundamental contributions to understanding cell division and therefore cancer.

The RA will read, understand, and successfully execute experiments, as directed and supervised by the P.I. exercising judgment and basic knowledge of biology and chemistry. Necessary preparation will include reading protocols and reading of scientific literature relating to understanding the planned procedures. The individual may be responsible to train new lab members (e.g., rotation students, summer students) on the basic techniques or protocols commonly used in the lab. The RA will maintain an efficient and effective computerized database of protein expression constructs, baculoviruses, and recombinant proteins, reflecting careful and accurate records of all experiments including purpose, methods, and results. Collaborating efforts with other laboratories will be promoted to allow the RA to learn new techniques.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
PhD in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field is required.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
PhD in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field is required.
Hands-on experience with recombinant protein purification and AKTA (or related) systems.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Complete several different tasks simultaneously and have excellent time management skills.
Strong record of reliability, consistency, and organization as demonstrated in written and computer formats.
Good interpersonal skills, ability to follow directions, handle criticism, and to work productively with others and independently.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in ubiquitination, enzymology, protein interaction analyses, and/or structural biology techniques.
Ideal candidates will have experience with recombinant protein expression from baculovirus-infected insect cells and/or cryo-EM.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/311391
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Maria Montemurro, Human Resources Consultant
Department Contact Telephone or Email maria_montemurro@med.unc.edu
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
Optional Documents
  1. Cover Letter

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).