Post-Doc Research Associate

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

Posting Details

Posting Open Date 05/06/2026 Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate Vacancy ID PDS004853 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 Dependent on Experience / Qualifications Proposed Start Date 06/15/2026 Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months

Position Information

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 PostDoctoral Research Associate position involves laboratory research in biomedical science. The position studies focus on an animal model of arthritis and include in vivo studies (muscles and behavioral analyses, imaging, biomarkers distribution in blood or synovial fluid) as well as histological evaluation of multiple tissues (cartilage, bone, synovium, muscles), protein/gene expression analyses in isolated tissues (cartilage, bone, synovium, muscles). In addition, the candidate will be trained to use the Aurora 3-in-1 Whole Animal System and corresponding software to measure muscle strength in rodents and to score different tissues for arthritic damage. Candidates will lead projects, conduct research, organize and analyze data, mentor junior team members, write manuscripts, present at conferences, and contribute to grant proposals. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements PhD in biomedical field or related field of study. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience The ability to work as part of a team and maintain respectful interactions with other lab members. Have a strong work ethic, being reliable and dependable. Adhere to lab rules and protocols with attention to detail and accuracy. Complete compliance training as required by UNC Environmental Health and Safety and the IACUC. Keep detailed records, documents and organize data and experimental details. Experience in molecular biology and protein biochemistry. Willingness to perform animal dissections, tissue processing and histological techniques to include paraffin specimen sectioning and staining and immunohistochemistry. Experience in any type of microscopy and imaging techniques is a plus. Willingness to learn new in vivo and in vitro techniques, such as performing animal surgeries, intra-muscular, intra-articular and intravenous injections; histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Basic computer skills and use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop. Proficient use of the English language. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Previous animal experience (aseptic techniques/animal surgery). Any experience in osteoarthritis models, in muscle tissue handling and/or measures of muscle strength will be a plus, but is not required. Special Physical/Mental Requirements Special Instructions For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here Quick Link https: // unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/317805

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected] 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 [email protected].

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.

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