Post-Doc Research Associate - Bowser and Vaziri Labs

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.

Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.

Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education: We prepare tomorrow`s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a collaborative, co-mentored research program between the laboratories of Dr. Cyrus Vaziri and Dr. Jessica Bowser. The successful candidate will investigate fundamental mechanisms of the DNA damage response ( DDR), cell cycle regulation, and their implications for genome stability, cancer biology, and therapeutic response. This position offers the unique benefit of dual academic mentorship, along with industry-relevant experience through collaborations with Dr. Kenneth Pearce, Director, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery ( UNC) and Dr. Blake Rushing, Associate Director, Metabolomics and Exposome Laboratory ( UNC). These collaborations will provide the candidate with access to complementary expertise, resources, and scientific perspectives across multiple disciplines.

Ph.D. in a biological science or related discipline, or equivalent degree, with strong background in molecular and cell biology.

Knowledge
Subject-specific knowledge: A strong and evolving base of knowledge in DNA damage and cell cycle fields.
Research methods: Independence and expertise in designing experiments, collecting data, and performing necessary techniques.
Responsible conduct of research: Familiarity with ethical guidelines, regulations, and policies governing research.
Funding and publishing: Understanding the processes for securing grants and publishing findings in scientific journals.

Skills
Communication: Ability to communicate effectively through writing (manuscripts) and speaking (seminars, presentations) to various audiences.
Data analysis and statistics: Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., GraphPad Prism) and strong analytical skills.
Technical skills: Molecular techniques (e.g., cloning, gene editing, protein biochemistry and imaging, flow cytometry, cell culture, etc.). Ability to learn new techniques quickly and efficiently. Ability to troubleshoot.
Project management: Ability to manage time, projects, and resources effectively.
Scientific writing: Ability to write manuscripts and assist with text/figures for grant proposals.

Abilities
Adaptability and resilience: The capacity to adapt to new research directions, technologies, and work environments.
Independent work: The ability to work independently, devise hypotheses, and drive your own research.
Problem-solving and critical thinking: Analytical ability to identify problems and find effective solutions.
Collaboration: Working effectively in interdisciplinary and collaborative teams.
Leadership and management: Skills to manage a project, collaborate with others, and facilitate teamwork.
Professionalism: reliable, accountable, and committed to doing what's right.
Goal-orientation and professional maturity: Understanding that this position emphasizes achieving research milestones and deliverables (e.g., manuscripts, grant applications) and making steady progress toward your professional goals.
Management: capable of performing tasks relating to lab management, including ordering, ensuring EHS compliance, maintaining appropriate stocks and orderly records of reagents, supplies, and consumables in the lab.

Preference will be given to applicants with experience in DNA damage and cell cycle fields.

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.