Post-Doc Research Associate

Posting Information

Posting Details

Department Biology - 318200 Posting Open Date 08/06/2026 Application Deadline 08/10/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate Vacancy ID PDS004933 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Work Location Fordham Hall, Chapel Hill Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range $47,476 - $66,948/year Proposed Start Date 09/01/2026 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 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 3,450 majors and we enroll undergraduate students in over 7,870 seats in our classes each semester. Each fall or spring semester, we offer 52 classes (70 sections) and 13 lab courses (93 sections). Our average total annual expenditure exceeds $24 million, with nearly half coming from grant sponsored research. Our department has nearly $70 million in active grants to support our twin missions of research and teaching. Our large research base spans many areas of biology and supports several outstanding graduate programs. We consist of 49 tenure-track faculty, 12 teaching faculty, 4 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 UNC departments and schools.

We currently have approximately 50 graduate students and 23 post-docs. We also 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 16, with an additional 15 staff directly supporting research.

The Gordon Lab in the Department of Biology studies development, cell biology, cell migration, reproductive system biology, and genetic control thereof in the nematode worm C. elegans. We are executing funded projects studying (1) cell growth and migration and (2) development and regeneration of the gonad under nutrition stress.

Position Summary

The position is for full-time postdoctoral research in the Gordon Lab. We perform molecular biology, genetic crosses, light microscopy, and quantitative image analyses in C. elegans. Because we study living worms, our experimental protocols sometimes require work outside of business hours.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Ph.D. in Biology or a related discipline (degree expected in 2026 is acceptable)

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Experience with developmental genetics, C. elegans biology, confocal microscopy, or some combination thereof

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Preferred experience with quantitative image analysis.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

N/A

Special Instructions

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/323527

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Kacy Gordon, Assistant Professor Department Contact Telephone or Email kacy.gordon@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

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

• Degree Transcripts
• Research Statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• What is your highest degree earned and what field is it in?

(Open Ended Question)

• Do you anticipate having a relevant PhD by the position's start date?

• Yes

• No

• Please describe your experience with developmental genetics, C. elegans biology, confocal microscopy, or some combination thereof.

(Open Ended Question)

• Which of our recent papers interests you most? Why? If you were to follow up on one of our findings, how would you start?

(Open Ended Question)