Postdoctoral 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.

At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School, we think differently; and more importantly, we teach differently. Opening our doors as the Department of Commerce in 1919 and awarding our first degrees to 12 students in 1921 was the beginning. Today, we have become a top-ranked business school comprised of several professional and academic degree programs that serve over 3,000 students. At Kenan-Flagler, our greatest assets are our people and our culture. We are rooted in our core values of integrity, inclusion, innovation and impact, and it goes back to our founding. It's not just something on paper, we live it, we show it. Our mission is to prepare the next generation of business leaders by providing a world class education to our students. We seek to recruit diverse, innovative, and exceptional talent to achieve this goal.

The Organizational Behavior academic area at the Kenan-Flagler Business School invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. The position will start in the summer of 2026, and candidates must have finished their Ph.D. degree by the start date. The salary is competitive, and the position will have access to research funding, including for independent projects. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be responsible for conducting original research with the faculty members and Ph.D. students in the Organizational Behavior academic area, and will be supervised by the Area Chair and Lab Director. The Postdoctoral Research Associate is also expected to become actively involved in the Kenan-Flagler Business School intellectual communities by regularly participating in workshops, research seminars, and area functions, in addition to conducting their own research.

The main administrative duty for the position is managing the behavioral laboratory. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will manage and provide oversight for research activities coordinated through the lab, such as managing subject pools, managing research assistants, coordinating with Ph.D. students and faculty on research projects, providing support for online studies, and maintaining lab records.

Teaching is not required, but the Postdoctoral Research Associate may have the opportunity to teach one or two classes during their appointment.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services, please visit here: https://research.unc.edu/postdocs/prospective/.

Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in a social science discipline (e.g., Organizational Behavior, Sociology, Psychology, Economics) or a related discipline prior to beginning work activities.

Applicants must also have experience conducting human subjects research and knowledge of experimental design.

Ideally, the selected candidate will possess demonstrated research excellence in the field of Organizational Behavior and have a demonstrated track record of publishing in top academic journals.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on November 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

All applicants are required to upload the following:

1.) CV

2.) Cover Letter

3.) Personal Statement, including a summary of research, teaching, and service activities (please upload under the "Research Statement" link)

4.) Copies of 2-3 Research Papers (you may upload all papers as one "Writing/Research Sample," or utilize the "Other Document" links for additional papers)

Optional uploads:

1.) Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness (upload as "Teaching Philosophy/Evaluations")

Additional information:

Applicants should also supply contact information for a minimum of two (2) and maximum of four (4) academic reference(s) where prompted by the application system.

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.