University of North Carolina Postdoctoral Positions 2026–2027: Latest Postdoc Openings and How to Apply
Are you looking for postdoctoral research opportunities in the United States? The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC–Chapel Hill) is offering a range of postdoctoral research positions across several academic disciplines for the 2026–2027 academic year.
These opportunities are available in areas such as biomedical sciences, genetics, cancer research, computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, mathematics, physics, environmental science, public health, and the humanities.
UNC–Chapel Hill is a major public research university with an extensive research community and opportunities for collaboration across academic departments. Its postdoctoral researchers contribute to scientific discoveries, academic publications, innovative technologies, and interdisciplinary research projects.
For researchers who have recently completed a PhD or are preparing to complete their doctoral studies, these positions can provide an opportunity to develop advanced research skills, work with experienced faculty members, publish scientific findings, and strengthen their academic careers.
Important update: The opportunities below were checked on November 14, 2026. Job availability can change, so applicants should confirm that each position is still accepting applications before submitting their documents.
1. Postdoctoral Opportunities at UNC–Chapel Hill
The university's official employment portal lists postdoctoral positions across multiple departments. The following opportunities were identified in the current listings.
1. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media
The Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the future of local journalism.
The successful candidate will contribute to research examining media sustainability, artificial intelligence, changing audience behavior, journalism innovation, and new business models. Responsibilities include research design, data collection, analysis, scholarly publications, and collaboration with media organizations.
Ideal candidates: Applicants with a PhD in journalism, mass communication, media studies, public policy, sociology, political science, information science, business, or a related discipline.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/328586
2. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
UNC's Department of Computer Science is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on advanced computational research.
The position focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and medical image analysis. The researcher will develop and evaluate computational methods integrating medical images with other types of data.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with doctoral qualifications and experience in artificial intelligence, computer vision, machine learning, medical imaging, or related computational fields.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/328492
3. Postdoctoral Research Associate – School of Nursing
The School of Nursing is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to support federally funded research projects.
The selected candidate will collaborate with an established research team, analyze research data, prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, present findings at academic conferences, and contribute to the development of future research proposals.
Ideal candidates: Applicants with a PhD and relevant experience in nursing research, health sciences, public health, research methodology, or data analysis.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/328453
4. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Zhang Lab
The Zhang Lab is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for interdisciplinary research in chemical biology and drug discovery.
The research involves investigating interactions between lipid metabolism, membrane structures, and biological processes. The position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of chemistry, molecular biology, and pharmaceutical sciences.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with a PhD in chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a closely related discipline.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/328386
5. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Food Allergy and Early-Life Environmental Research
The research laboratories of Timothy Moran, Johanna Smeekens, and Julia Rager are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate how the early-life home environment influences the development of food allergies.
The project involves examining household dust, food allergens, microbial communities, and environmental factors using samples from the SUNBEAM birth cohort.
This position is particularly interesting for researchers working in immunology, microbiology, allergy research, environmental health, and pediatric sciences.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/328292
6. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Philosophy, Politics and Economics
UNC's Philosophy, Politics and Economics Program is offering a postdoctoral opportunity for researchers interested in interdisciplinary scholarship.
The successful applicant will contribute to the program's research community, develop an independent research agenda, and teach two PPE courses each semester.
Ideal candidates: Applicants with a PhD in philosophy, political science, economics, or a closely related academic discipline.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/328291
7. Postdoctoral Research Trainee – Raffield Lab
The Raffield Lab is seeking a postdoctoral research trainee with a background in human genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field.
The research focuses on large-scale genomic and multi-omic analyses of traits associated with cardiometabolic diseases and Alzheimer's disease.
This position is suitable for researchers interested in human genetics, computational biology, genomic medicine, and population-based research.
Important eligibility condition: This sponsored training position requires applicants to meet the applicable US citizenship, non-citizen national, or permanent-resident requirements.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/328160
8. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Raffield Lab
A separate postdoctoral research associate position is available in the Raffield Lab.
The research involves large-scale genomic and multi-omic investigations of cardiometabolic disease and Alzheimer's disease. Candidates with expertise in human genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or computational genomic research may find this opportunity relevant.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/328159
9. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Polymer Materials and Sustainability
UNC's Department of Applied Physical Sciences is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to develop advanced polymer materials for energy and environmental sustainability.
The research focuses on separation processes using clean energy sources. The position provides an opportunity to contribute to materials science research with potential applications in sustainable technologies.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with doctoral training in materials science, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, physical sciences, or related areas.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327994
10. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Biomedical Engineering and Ultrasound
The Dayton Lab is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to research in advanced ultrasound imaging and ultrasound therapeutics.
The laboratory offers research opportunities involving therapeutic delivery, imaging physics, and biomedical engineering. Candidates with experience in ultrasound technology, imaging systems, drug delivery, or engineering-based biomedical research may be suitable.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327992
11. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Rare Disease Data and Genetics
This position focuses on research involving rare disease data, patient cohort controls, and privacy risks associated with sensitive medical datasets.
The successful researcher will investigate approaches for evaluating re-identification risks in electronic health records, clinical registries, insurance claims, and other real-world datasets.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with experience in genetics, biomedical informatics, biostatistics, epidemiology, data science, or health information research.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327988
12. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Theoretical Physics
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is offering a postdoctoral position involving theoretical nuclear physics.
The research will focus on calculating matrix elements governing neutrinoless double-beta decay, with an emphasis on obtaining accurate results and controlling theoretical uncertainties.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with doctoral training in theoretical physics, nuclear physics, computational physics, or related fields.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327985
13. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Nuclear Physics Research Hub
This position is associated with the National Science Foundation-supported research hub, Advancing the Theory of Nuclear Double Beta-decay (@NDB).
The project brings together theoretical physicists and statisticians from multiple universities and research institutions to advance research into nuclear double-beta decay.
Ideal candidates: Researchers specializing in theoretical nuclear physics, mathematical physics, statistics, and computational methods.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327919
14. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Cancer Biology and Immunology
UNC's Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to investigate mechanisms involved in cancer progression and treatment resistance.
The research focuses on the tumor-intrinsic NLRP3 inflammasome, immune evasion, tumor dormancy, treatment-resistant cells, relapse, and metastatic progression.
The work involves experimental cancer research, tumor-T-cell co-culture studies, and in vivo tumor models.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with experience in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology, cellular biology, or biomedical sciences.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327787
15. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Geometric Optimization and Scientific Computing
The Department of Mathematics is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in geometric optimization and scientific computing.
The research connects mathematical methods with machine learning and data analysis. The appointment is scheduled to begin July 1, 2027, initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with a PhD in mathematics, applied mathematics, scientific computing, optimization, or a related area.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327682
16. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Kelada Lab
The Kelada Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the pulmonary response to ozone air pollution.
The project examines how genetic variation influences responses to ozone exposure in mouse models. Researchers will investigate connections between genetic, epigenetic, and biological mechanisms.
Ideal candidates: Applicants with backgrounds in genetics, molecular biology, toxicology, pulmonary biology, environmental health, or related disciplines.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327578
17. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Hydrologic Remote Sensing and Science Communication
This opportunity is connected to NASA-funded research known as Researchers Inspiring Public Participation in Lake Education and Science (RIPPLES).
The project combines hydrologic remote sensing with public engagement, community science, education, and science communication.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with expertise in hydrology, remote sensing, environmental science, science communication, or community-based scientific education.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327576
18. Postdoctoral Research Associate – RNA Virus Research, Cameron/Arnold Lab
The Cameron-Arnold laboratory is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of RNA virus genome replication.
The research offers opportunities to study viral replication mechanisms using advanced biochemical and molecular biology approaches.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with a PhD in virology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related biomedical sciences.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327100
19. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Molecular and Cellular RNA Virus Research
A second position in the Cameron-Arnold laboratory focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of RNA virus genome replication.
The position is suitable for researchers interested in understanding viral biology, host-virus interactions, molecular mechanisms, and infection-related research.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327099
20. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Bowers Lab
The Bowers Lab is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher with experience in chemical synthesis and/or enzyme kinetics.
The research involves mRNA display, chemical synthesis, and the biochemical and biophysical characterization of peptide-based inhibitors.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with doctoral qualifications in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, or related fields.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326855
21. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Mathematics and Analysis
UNC's Department of Mathematics is offering a postdoctoral position in mathematical analysis.
The research area is broadly defined and may include harmonic analysis, partial differential equations, dynamical systems, and geometric analysis.
Ideal candidates: Applicants with a PhD in pure mathematics or a closely related mathematical discipline.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326820
22. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Perovskite Solar Cells and Detectors
This research position focuses on the development of perovskite solar cells and detectors.
The main objective is to improve device performance and long-term stability while supporting the future commercialization of this technology. The researcher will have opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and national laboratories.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with experience in materials science, photovoltaic devices, semiconductor physics, materials engineering, or related fields.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326651
23. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Wolberg Lab
An NIH-funded postdoctoral research opportunity is available in the Wolberg Lab.
The research focuses on blood coagulation and its relationship with cardiovascular disease, cancer, infection, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions.
This position is relevant to researchers interested in hematology, vascular biology, coagulation, pathology, and molecular medicine.
Application tip: Applicants should submit a cover letter explaining their motivation for joining the Wolberg Lab and a short statement describing how their research experience connects with the laboratory's work.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326545
24. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Cardiac Modeling and Simulation
The Department of Mathematics is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for projects in cardiovascular modeling and simulation.
Research activities include cardiac digital twins for heart failure and cardiac fluid dynamics simulation software development.
The position may interest researchers with experience in applied mathematics, computational modeling, numerical methods, biomedical engineering, or scientific software development.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326486
25. Postdoctoral Trainee – Genetic Epidemiology of Heart, Lung and Blood Traits
A National Research Service Award-supported postdoctoral research fellowship is available through UNC's Genetic Epidemiology of Heart, Lung, and Blood Traits Program.
The fellowship is designed to support research training and professional development in genetic epidemiology and related areas.
Ideal candidates: Researchers interested in genetic epidemiology, biostatistics, population health, human genetics, and cardiovascular or respiratory research.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326367
26. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Lattice QCD and Theoretical Nuclear Physics
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in theoretical nuclear and high-energy physics, with an emphasis on lattice quantum chromodynamics (lattice QCD).
The successful candidate will work with Professor Kostas Orginos on first-principles calculations of hadron structure, including parton distribution functions and related research topics.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with a PhD in theoretical physics, particle physics, nuclear physics, or lattice QCD.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326312
27. Postdoctoral Research Associate – Water and Health
The UNC Water Institute is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work at the intersection of water and public health.
Depending on the research project, the position may involve developing and evaluating disinfection technologies, environmental health microbiology, and quantitative microbial risk assessment.
Ideal candidates: Researchers with doctoral training in environmental microbiology, environmental health, water science, public health, microbiology, or related disciplines.
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326153
2. Additional Postdoctoral Training Opportunity: Carolina Cancer Nanotechnology Training Program
UNC also lists the T32 Postdoctoral Trainee opportunity through its Carolina Cancer Nanotechnology Training Program.
This interdisciplinary training program focuses on cancer nanotechnology and brings together researchers from multiple departments and schools.
Research themes include drug delivery, polymers, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, RNA vaccines, computational chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and translational research.
Applicants should have a relevant doctoral degree in medical sciences, pharmacy, chemistry, biomedical sciences, nanotechnology, cancer biology, or a related field.
Important eligibility restriction: This NIH/NCI-sponsored program requires applicants to be US citizens, non-citizen nationals, or lawful permanent residents. International applicants who do not meet this requirement should not assume they are eligible.
Required documents:
Curriculum vitae or résumé
Cover letter
Two-page research and career interests statement
Contact details for at least three professional references
Apply here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/328717
3. Application Deadlines: Which UNC Postdoc Positions Should You Apply For First?
Applicants should pay particular attention to positions with approaching deadlines.
| Position | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| School of Nursing | November 23, 2026 |
| Local Media Research | November 25, 2026 |
| Hydrologic Remote Sensing | November 25, 2026 |
| Water and Health | November 27, 2026 |
| Cancer Biology and Immunology | November 30, 2026 |
| Biomedical Engineering | December 16, 2026 |
| Philosophy, Politics and Economics | December 7, 2026 |
| Computer Science and AI | January 4, 2027 |
| Theoretical Physics | February 1, 2027 |
| Nuclear Physics Research Hub | March 23, 2027 |
| Polymer Materials | April 8, 2027 |
Some other opportunities are advertised as open until filled or do not provide a specific closing date. In those cases, early applications are advisable.
4. Who Can Apply for UNC Postdoctoral Positions?
Most postdoctoral opportunities at UNC–Chapel Hill require applicants to hold a PhD, MD, or another relevant doctoral qualification.
However, the required academic background depends on the research project and hiring department.
Potential applicants may come from disciplines including:
Biomedical Sciences
Biotechnology
Microbiology and Immunology
Molecular Biology
Genetics and Genomics
Cancer Biology
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Mathematics and Statistics
Physics and Engineering
Environmental Science
Public Health and Epidemiology
Journalism and Social Sciences
Candidates should carefully review the minimum education and experience requirements in each individual advertisement.
Can international applicants apply?
Many university postdoctoral vacancies do not list a US citizenship requirement, but immigration and employment authorization requirements still apply. Certain federally sponsored training programs have additional citizenship or permanent-residency restrictions.
International researchers should read the eligibility section of each posting before applying.
5. Documents Required for a Postdoctoral Application
Although individual departments may request additional materials, applicants should prepare a professional application package in advance.
The following documents are commonly requested:
1. Academic CV
Your CV should include your educational qualifications, research experience, publications, conference presentations, technical expertise, awards, and academic achievements.
2. Cover Letter
A good cover letter should explain why you are interested in the specific research position and how your background fits the laboratory's research objectives.
3. Research Statement
Some positions require a research statement explaining your previous work, current research interests, and future academic goals.
4. Publication List
Include relevant peer-reviewed publications, especially first-author research papers.
5. Academic References
Prepare contact information for at least three academic or professional referees when requested.
6. Additional Supporting Documents
Depending on the position, the department may request writing samples, recommendation letters, transcripts, or evidence of specialist research skills.
Before submitting your application, make sure all files are properly formatted and that your research experience is clearly connected to the advertised position.
6. Why Consider a Postdoctoral Position at UNC–Chapel Hill?
UNC–Chapel Hill offers an academic environment in which researchers can work across multiple disciplines and participate in research projects addressing important scientific and societal challenges.
Some reasons researchers may consider UNC include:
Interdisciplinary research: Opportunities to collaborate across departments, research centers, laboratories, and professional schools.
Research development: Postdoctoral training can help researchers strengthen their experimental, analytical, computational, and scientific writing skills.
Academic publications: Researchers can contribute to peer-reviewed publications and present their findings at academic conferences.
Professional development: UNC provides postdoctoral resources, professional development activities, and services designed to support research careers.
Research community: Postdoctoral scholars can connect with other researchers, faculty members, and academic professionals across the university.
Postdoctoral appointments are temporary research and training positions, so applicants should review the appointment duration, compensation, benefits, and expectations before accepting an offer.
7. How to Apply for University of North Carolina Postdoctoral Positions
The application process is conducted through the university's official employment portal.
Follow these steps:
Visit the UNC–Chapel Hill official employment website.
Search for the postdoctoral position that matches your research background.
Open the individual vacancy announcement.
Review the job responsibilities, qualifications, salary, and application deadline.
Prepare your academic CV, cover letter, research statement, and other requested documents.
Select the application option on the official vacancy page.
Complete the online application and upload the required documents.
Submit your application and retain a copy of the confirmation for your records.
Applicants should use the individual application links provided in this article rather than relying only on general job search results.
8. Official UNC Postdoctoral Resources
Researchers can also explore the following official university resources:
These resources provide additional information about available vacancies, postdoctoral policies, professional development, and university services.
Conclusion
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers postdoctoral research opportunities in a wide range of academic and scientific disciplines for the 2026–2027 academic year.
From cancer biology, genetics, and biomedical engineering to artificial intelligence, mathematics, physics, environmental science, and public health, the available positions provide opportunities for researchers with different academic backgrounds.
If you are planning your next academic career move, review the individual vacancies carefully and apply to positions that match your doctoral training, research interests, and professional experience.
Do not wait until the final application deadline. Some positions are filled as suitable candidates are identified, while others have strict closing dates.
Bookmark the official UNC employment portal and check it regularly for newly advertised postdoctoral research opportunities.
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