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 3,000 majors and intendent majors, and we enroll over 5,000 undergraduate students in our classes each year. Our average total annual expenditure exceeds $24 million, with nearly half of that coming from grant sponsored research. Our large research base spans many areas of biology and supports several outstanding graduate programs. We consist of 54 tenure-track faculty, 16 teaching faculty, 10 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 52 graduate students, 30 post-docs and 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 19, with an additional 45 staff directly supporting research.

Butterfly ecology: field studies and laboratory experiments on thermal biology of all butterfly life stages; establishing and maintaining focal butterfly species and their hostplants in lab and greenhouse; use of programmable environmental chambers in climate change research; data science and statistical modeling of experimental and observational data using R.
Aphid-microbe interactions: laboratory experiments, molecular assays, and genomics focused on studying aphid-microbe interactions in an eco/evo framework. Project will involve rearing multiple aphid species, generating genetic crosses within species, establishing symbioses within aphid species, using molecular assays, sequencing, and bioinformatics to measure insect response to microbial infections.

Lab experiments, field studies and statistical modeling of thermal ecology of butterflies and climate change; lab experiments, molecular assays, and genomics of aphid-symbiont-pathogen interactions.

PhD in biology, or a related field

Experience with thermal biology of insects, laboratory rearing of butterflies and other insects, and statistical modeling and data visualization with R; experience working with fungal entomopathogens and other insect-associated microbes

N/A

Ability to collect butterflies and aphids in natural field settings

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.