Post-Doc Trainee

Posting Information

Posting Details

Department Epidemiology - 463501 Posting Open Date 07/22/2026 Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Post-Doc Trainee Vacancy ID PDS004920 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 Qualifications Proposed Start Date 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 Epidemiology is one of the eight departments located in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The department's primary focus is to the development and application of research methods to understand the patterns and causes of health and disease, and the application of that knowledge to improving the health of populations. We provide strong training in research methods and opportunities for the application of epidemiology to a wide range of health problems through our research. The achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have enabled us to become one of the leading academic departments of epidemiology in the world. At UNC-CH, Epidemiology is one of the largest and most complex departments on campus. For FY25, Epidemiology was 5th among all departments and centers across campus in research funding at UNC Chapel Hill. The department has 38 Tenured-Tenure Track / 8 Joint Tenure-Track Faculty, 19 Fixed Term / 4 Joint Fixed Term Faculty, 119 Adjuncts, 33 EHRA Non-Faculty, 21 Postdocs, 22 SHRA, 29 Temps, and 226 Students (146 PhD Students, 69 Applied Epi MPH, 11 MSCR) for whom Epidemiology pays 146 as RA/TA/Trainees/Fellows. Total departmental budget of $49 million (FY25).

Position Summary

We are seeking a candidate with doctoral training in an environmental health-related discipline such as epidemiology, exposure assessment, molecular or computational toxicology and biology, environmental chemistry, statistics, bioinformatics, or geography, for an NIEHS funded T32 postdoctoral fellowship in Environmental Epidemiology. The initial appointment period is 1 year with a maximum of 2 years of support. This fellowship is part of a robust training program, encompassing epidemiology, biostatistics and environmental sciences and affords the fellow the opportunity to pursue mentored research in their areas of interest. Fellows are encouraged to collaborate with UNC Investigators as well as adjunct training faculty at the NIEHS and EPA. This training program will prepare environmental health scientists to be future leaders in environmental health science collaborations.

The UNC Department of Epidemiology has a number of ongoing environmentally focused research projects, including projects focused on pregnancy, child growth, and neurodevelopmental outcomes, as well as adult-onset chronic diseases. Environmental epidemiology faculty in the UNC Department of Epidemiology have expertise in exposure mixtures, children's environmental health, the built environment and community engaged research, disaster epidemiology, extreme weather impacts, environmental chemical exposures including pesticides, endocrine disruptors, PFAS, and other toxicants, ambient and indoor air pollution, noise pollution, as well as other areas. Training grant faculty and existing research ongoing in our department may be viewed here: http://sph.unc.edu/epid/epidemiology-research/environmentaloccupational-epidemiology-research/

Programming skills are required and relevant work experience preferred. We seek individuals with high energy, creativity, attention to accuracy, and the ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team. Consistent with NIH policies for T32 fellowships, to be eligible for this award, individuals must be a citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

The typical post-doctoral trainee will have completed highly relevant doctoral training in an environmental health-related discipline such as exposure assessment, molecular or computational toxicology and biology, environmental chemistry, statistics, bioinformatics, geography, or epidemiology and have been awarded a PhD or its equivalent.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Programming skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Relevant work experience preferred.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Special Instructions

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

1. In addition to completing the application on-line and uploading documents to https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/308120, please send an application packet containing a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, writing samples (published or unpublished), to Dr. Stephanie Engel (Stephanie.Engel@unc.edu) (put "T32 postdoc" in subject line). Cover letter should address desired area of research focus during the postdoctoral period.

2. Also, send two letters of reference, including one from the dissertation advisor, to Dr. Stephanie Engel by email at Stephanie.Engel@unc.edu.

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/322831

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Stephanie Engel, Professor Department Contact Telephone or Email Stephanie.Engel@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
• Writing/research Sample

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).