Animal Behavior Research Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Posting Information
Posting Details
Department
Thurston Arthritis Res Center - 429201
Posting Open Date
05/06/2026
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Yes
Position Type
Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title
Post-Doc Research Associate
Vacancy ID
PDS004853
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 Experience / Qualifications
Proposed Start Date
06/15/2026
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
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.
Position Summary
This PostDoctoral Research Associate position involves laboratory research in biomedical science. The position studies focus on an animal model of arthritis and include in vivo studies (muscles and behavioral analyses, imaging, biomarkers distribution in blood or synovial fluid) as well as histological evaluation of multiple tissues (cartilage, bone, synovium, muscles), protein/gene expression analyses in isolated tissues (cartilage, bone, synovium, muscles). In addition, the candidate will be trained to use the Aurora 3-in-1 Whole Animal System and corresponding software to measure muscle strength in rodents and to score different tissues for arthritic damage. Candidates will lead projects, conduct research, organize and analyze data, mentor junior team members, write manuscripts, present at conferences, and contribute to grant proposals.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
PhD in biomedical field or related field of study.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The ability to work as part of a team and maintain respectful interactions with other lab members. Have a strong work ethic, being reliable and dependable. Adhere to lab rules and protocols with attention to detail and accuracy. Complete compliance training as required by UNC Environmental Health and Safety and the IACUC. Keep detailed records, documents and organize data and experimental details. Experience in molecular biology and protein biochemistry. Willingness to perform animal dissections, tissue processing and histological techniques to include paraffin specimen sectioning and staining and immunohistochemistry. Experience in any type of microscopy and imaging techniques is a plus. Willingness to learn new in vivo and in vitro techniques, such as performing animal surgeries, intra-muscular, intra-articular and intravenous injections; histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Basic computer skills and use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop. Proficient use of the English language.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Previous animal experience (aseptic techniques/animal surgery). Any experience in osteoarthritis models, in muscle tissue handling and/or measures of muscle strength will be a plus, but is not required.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link
https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/317805
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title
Sarah Willis, HR Consultant
Department Contact Telephone or Email
sarah_a_willis@med.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.