Position Information
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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 Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill is dedicated to the discovery and dissemination of new and existing knowledge in the broad discipline of Biology by maintaining a high-quality faculty who integrate cutting-edge research and student-focused teaching.
We are one of the largest academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. We have over 3,450 majors and we enroll undergraduate students in over 7,870 seats in our classes each semester. Each fall or spring semester, we offer 52 classes (70 sections) and 13 lab courses (93 sections). Our average total annual expenditure exceeds $24 million, with nearly half of that coming from grant sponsored research. Our department has nearly $70 million in active grants to support our twin missions of research and teaching. Our large research base spans many areas of biology and supports several outstanding graduate programs. We consist of 48 tenure-track faculty, 12 teaching faculty, 5 research faculty, and numerous active adjunct and emeritus faculty who are engaged in basic and interdisciplinary research and teaching, both within the department and between other departments and schools at UNC.
We currently have 50 graduate students and 30 post-docs and employ approximately 85 additional graduate and undergraduate students from across the university to assist in our teaching and research missions. Further, we are supported by an administrative staff of 20, with an additional 20 staff directly supporting research.
The Chen lab in Department of Biology studies the development, plasticity, and function of astrocytes in the nervous system. Using complementary genetic and imaging approaches in fruit flies and zebrafish model systems, the lab investigates how astrocytes acquire their complex morphology, how astrocyte-neuron interactions are regulated during development, and how astrocyte dysfunction impacts neural circuit assembly and activity. The lab provides a collaborative and supportive training environment that emphasizes scientific rigor, creativity, technical innovation, and career development. Current projects are supported by NIH funding and offer opportunities to pursue independent research at the intersection of glial biology, developmental biology, and neuroscience.
Position Summary
The Chen lab seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to NIH-funded research investigating astrocytes in the nervous system. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research using genetic, molecular, imaging, and quantitative approaches to study glia-neuron interactions and the mechanisms by which astrocytes shape neural circuit development and function in model organisms. Responsibilities include experimental design and execution, data analysis, manuscript preparation, presentation of research findings, mentorship of trainees, and contribution to a collaborative and inclusive laboratory environment. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in neuroscience, cell biology, developmental biology, or a related field by the start date, with a strong record of research productivity and excellent communication skills. Preferred qualifications include experience in neurobiology, glial biology, microscopy, genetics, or quantitative data analysis.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
PhD in Neuroscience or related field
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience in glial biology, microscopy.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
N/A
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
N/A
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/322650
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Jiakun Chen, Assistant Professor Department Contact Telephone or Email chenjk@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.
