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.

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.

An exciting opportunity is available at the UNC Department of Surgery in a translational tumor immunology lab to study the mechanisms of host immune system contribution to the development of pancreatic cancer and in its progression to metastatic disease. We will be using both human research samples and mouse models to uncover the mechanisms of cancer-induced suppression of the innate and adaptive anti-tumor response, with a particular focus on tumor-draining lymph nodes, and to identify opportunities of intervention that can be translated into novel, clinically feasible treatment modalities. Long-term research objectives of the lab include developing methods of 'immune reprogramming' in tumor-draining lymph nodes to elicit an effective anti-tumor response.
We are looking for a PhD level candidate with experience in cancer immunology.

The Postdoc Research Associate will advance strategic priorities in pancreatic cancer research, with a particular focus on understanding and therapeutically targeting tumor-draining lymph nodes as drivers of local and systemic immune suppression. The selected finalist will contribute to an emerging translational research program integrating human patient samples, single-cell and spatial profiling, mechanistic mouse models, and therapeutic development. The position will also strengthen the laboratory's capacity to develop innovative immunotherapy strategies, generate preliminary data for competitive extramural funding, and translate discoveries from preclinical models toward clinical applications.

PhD in a related field, such as cell/molecular biology, immunology or a related field.

Highly motivated and enthusiastic about science
Quick and efficient learner while also thinking creatively and independently
Excellent communication skills
Previous experience with mouse modeling, small animal surgery, primary cell culture, and flow cytometry are required.

Experience with techniques of cancer biology, immunology, mouse modeling and cell biology is preferred.
Bioinformatics experience will be viewed favorably.

Interested applicants should provide a CV, a brief description of past research (uploaded under the Writing/Research sample) and a list of three references (complete with contact information).

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.