Deadline
Oct 19, 2026
Closing today
Location
N/A
United States
Employment
Temporary
Full or part time
Reference
N/A
Posted
Oct 06, 2026
About the role
Post-Doc Research Associate
Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click herePosting Information
Posting Details| Department | Applied Physical Sciences - 318100 |
|---|---|
| Posting Open Date | 10/05/2026 |
| Application Deadline | 10/19/2026 |
| Open Until Filled | No |
| Position Type | Postdoctoral Scholar |
| Position Title | Post-Doc Research Associate |
| Vacancy ID | PDS004991 |
| 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 and/or Qualifications |
| Proposed Start Date | 01/01/2027 |
| Estimated Duration of Appointment | 12 Months |
| 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 | Launched in 2013, the Department of Applied Physical Sciences (APS) is the first new science department in the College of Arts and Sciences in nearly 40 years. APS lives in the collaborative space between science and engineering, combining knowledge and discovery with an engineering mindset, team-based science, and entrepreneurship to address real-world problems. Organized around ‘Ideas to Impacts,’ the department unites with campus themes in health, water and energy to help Carolina continue to be a leader in science innovation and the application of knowledge. APS has united numerous scientific entities on campus to further its mission of finding interdisciplinary solutions to real-world problems. Its newest endeavor, BeAM (Be A Maker), is a university-wide initiative that incorporates Making into research, education, and entrepreneurship. BeAM is comprised of several spaces, including a makerspace in Hanes Art Center, Carmichael Residence Hall, and a 3,400 square foot Makerspace in Murray Hall, all of which serve the entire UNC community. |
| Position Summary | This Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead engineering work in the Bai lab’s translational research program on wearable optical sensing. A central effort is a multispectral pulse oximetry technology that measures blood oxygen saturation accurately across the full range of skin tones. The goal is to advance it from a laboratory prototype toward a clinically validated, manufacturable device. The postdoc will: Design, build, calibrate, and maintain wearable multi-wavelength optical sensors, including the optical front end, embedded electronics, and firmware. Develop and validate signal-processing and machine-learning algorithms that account for skin pigmentation, low perfusion, and motion. Work with UNC clinical collaborators on IRB-approved human-subjects validation studies, including device deployment, data quality control, and statistical analysis. Collaborate with industry partners on design for manufacture, design documentation, and regulatory strategy. Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and invention disclosures, contribute to grant proposals, and mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers. The position offers direct experience with the full path from academic research to medical device translation. |
| Minimum Education and Experience Requirements | Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics, materials science, computer science, or a closely related field, completed by the start date of the appointment. |
| Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience | Hands-on experience designing, building, and characterizing optical or optoelectronic sensing systems (for example photoplethysmography, pulse oximetry, tissue spectroscopy, or wearable sensors). Proficiency in physiological or sensor signal processing and statistical or machine-learning modeling in Python or MATLAB. A record of first-author, peer-reviewed publications in a relevant field. Strong written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate with clinicians, engineers, and external partners. |
| Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience | Experience with embedded electronics, firmware, PCB design, or low-power wireless systems. Experience collecting and analyzing data from human-subjects or preclinical studies, including work in clinical settings under IRB and HIPAA requirements. Familiarity with pulse oximeter accuracy testing (ISO 80601-2-61 and FDA guidance) and objective skin-tone measurement. Experience with medical device development under design controls and risk management (ISO 13485, ISO 14971, IEC 60601). Background in tissue or skin optics. Exposure to technology commercialization (for example NSF I-Corps or invention disclosures). Experience mentoring students. |
| Special Physical/Mental Requirements | |
| Special Instructions | For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here |
| Quick Link | https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326287 |
| Department Contact Name and Title | Wubin Bai, Associate Professor |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Optional and Required Documents
Required Documents- Curriculum Vitae / Resume
- Cover Letter
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
How to apply
Read the full posting, then apply through the employer's own site. Applications are handled by the institution, not by AcademicGates.
Please sign in or create an
account to add this post to favorites