Cancer Research Scientist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Posting Information
Posting Details
Department
Lineberger Compr Cancer Center - 426801
Posting Open Date
05/13/2026
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Yes
Position Type
Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title
Post-Doc Research Associate
Vacancy ID
PDS004860
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 or 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
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
The Kovalski lab is located in the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center (LCCC), which provides an exceptionally collaborative environment at the interface of basic science and translational cancer research. Postdoctoral fellows will have access to outstanding core facilities supporting genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, flow cytometry, and advanced imaging, as well as rich professional training and mentorship opportunities across UNC-Chapel Hill's broader research community.
A postdoctoral research fellow position is available in the newly established Kovalski lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study the molecular mechanisms of post-transcriptional gene expression in health and disease. We are an enthusiastic, collaborative team dedicated to tackling outstanding questions at the interface of RNA biology and cancer biology. Several open questions in the lab include: how do RNA binding proteins remodel the cellular proteome to drive oncogenic transformation? How are RBPs functionally repurposed as cells transition from a healthy to malignant state? How do RNA binding proteins coordinate selective translation of key oncogenes to enable cancer cells to rapidly adapt to stress and therapy?
The potential candidate will utilize cell culture models and proximity proteomics to map RBP interaction networks across cellular compartments, in combination with CLIP-sequencing, RNA structure probing, polysome-sequencing, and in vivo cancer mouse models to dissect mechanisms of post-transcriptional control in normal and cancer cells.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Highly motivated individuals with a recent Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. and a background in RNA biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, or cellular and molecular biology are encouraged to apply.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Evidence of scientific accomplishment is required, including a strong publication record, and bioinformatics skills are desirable. All lab members are expected to apply for fellowships as part of their training.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link
https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/318679
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title
Becky Phelps, HR Team Lead
Department Contact Telephone or Email
Becky Phelps, HR Team Lead
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.