Post-Doc Research Associate

Posting Information

Posting Details

Department SOP-CICBDD - 452101 Posting Open Date 05/06/2026 Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate Vacancy ID PDS004852 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 and qualifications. Proposed Start Date 06/01/2026 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

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School's Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/oe/strategic-plan/).

Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world's most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.

Position Summary

Synthetic organic chemist position focused on the design and construction of novel molecules for biological targets towards first-in-class chemical tools and preclinical lead molecules. The post-doctoral scholar will be responsible for the design, construction and characterization of novel heterocyclic compounds possessing improved properties such as potency and selectivity. For each project we have partnered with expertise-specific laboratories to facilitate the interrogation of the compound's biological activity. Thus, this position is dedicated to the development of new synthetic methods and routes to the target scaffolds and their application to construct optimized analogues. Research is conducted within the highly collaborative environment of the UNC Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery. Numerous opportunities exist at UNC for presenting research and developing new skills (i.e. workshops, short courses, presenting research and collaborations). For a more information about the group's research see: http://frankowskilab.web.unc.edu/.

• Perform research in synthetic organic chemistry (75%). The primary duty is to design and carry out experiments leading to the synthesis of biologically relevant molecules. The following subtasks are associated with his duty:
• Carry out literature searches relevant to the research topic.
• Contribute significantly to the cleaning, organization, and maintenance of the laboratory and equipment contained therein.
• Be acquainted and up-to-date with laboratory safety protocols and employ them in the course of all work.
• Keep detailed notes and records pertaining to all research work and be comfortable with the required use of electronic notebook software.
• Interpreting data and using results to drive additional experimental design.
• Attend and participate in scientific group meetings, departmental seminars, and problem sessions (10%).
• Contribute to the preparation and submission of reports and publications related to research (15%).

Independently write experimental sections of paper and, working with collaborators, colleagues, and supervisor, assist in all aspects of the publication process

• Report results at external, field appropriate scientific meetings.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Ph. D. in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or related discipline.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Experience in organic chemistry focused on the design and construction of novel molecules for biological targets towards first-in-class chemical tools and preclinical lead molecules.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Strong organic synthesis skills
• Research productivity as evidenced by peer reviewed publications.
• Experience with a wide range of purification techniques such as flash chromatography, HPLC, distillation, etc.
• Previous collaborative research experience preferred
• Experience in the construction of heterocyclic molecules.
• Extensive familiarity with NMR acquisition and spectral analysis.
• Examples of successful prior mentoring.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Must strictly follow all environmental health and safety rules and best practices for research, including proper use of all personal protective equipment.

Special Instructions

Apply online at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/317770 with a cover letter, CV/resume, research statement and a list of at least three (3) professional references with their full contact information.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/317770

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Mac Balatico, HR Business Partner Department Contact Telephone or Email mac.t.balatico@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.

Optional and Required Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References
• Research Statement

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Please select the response below that describes your level of education.
• Some high school
• High School/GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree, JD or Other Terminal Degree