Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Fluid Mechanics and Dynamics, Genetics, Government, Higher Education, Laboratory Theory, Mathematics, Physics, Quantitative Analysis, Research & Development (R&D), Scientific Research, Simulation, Social Science Research, Teach Graduate Students, Team Player, Training/Teaching
LOCATION
Chapel Hill, NC
POSTED
30+ days ago

Posting Information

Posting Details ----------------

Department: Mathematics - 318900 Posting Open Date: 12092025 Application Deadline: Open Until Filled Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate Vacancy ID: PDS004732 Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time Temporary: Temporary Hours per week: 40 FTE 1 Work Location: Chapel Hill, NC Position Location: North Carolina, US Hiring Range: Dependent on experience and/or qualifications Proposed Start Date: 07012026 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 nations top public universities and is among 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, as well as 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 mission of the Department of Mathematics is to extend the frontiers of mathematical knowledge and the ways it is used in the real world to disseminate that knowledge and to train the next generation of teachers and researchers, as well as those choosing careers with industry or government. The Department is committed to building and nourishing interactions with other units across the UNC campus and with academic and industrial partners in North Carolinas Research Triangle region throughout the State and across the Nation.

The Department maintains a strong research program as well as a comprehensive educational program. An active, healthy research environment is essential for training graduate students and enlivens undergraduate teaching by bringing students into contact with new and relevant mathematics, fostering fundamental mathematical skills and appreciation, and encouraging students to become the next generation of researchers and educators.

UNCs Physical Mathematics Lab integrates mathematical theory and numerical simulation with in-house experiments conducted in our dedicated wet lab. This collaborative environment extends throughout UNCs Department of Mathematics, which benefits from extensive experimental and computational facilities and hosts several research groups in related areas, bringing together a broad and complementary set of skills: http://math.unc.edu.

Position Summary -----------------

This position will join our group working at the intersection of fluid mechanics and soft matter physics. Ongoing lines of investigation include pilot-wave hydrodynamics, vibrating bubbles, nonlinear waves, and active matter. We welcome candidates with theoretical expertise, though applications from outstanding experimentalists are also encouraged. This position will be expected to supervise graduate and undergraduate researchers and to help foster collaborations within and beyond UNC.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements -----------------------------------------

A Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, engineering, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.

Required Qualifications ----------------------

  • A Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, engineering, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.
  • Competencies and Experience:
  • A Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, engineering, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.
  • Ideal theoreticians will have strong skills in applied mathematics, including asymptotic analysis, perturbation methods, dynamical systems, and scientific computation.
  • Ideal experimentalists will have strong skills in experimental fluid mechanics, including laboratory design, high-speed imaging, flow visualization, and quantitative data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications ----------------------

  • Ideal theoreticians will have strong skills in applied mathematics, including asymptotic analysis, perturbation methods, dynamical systems, and scientific computation.
  • Ideal experimentalists will have strong skills in experimental fluid mechanics, including laboratory design, high-speed imaging, flow visualization, and quantitative data analysis.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements --------------------------------------

Special Instructions -------------------

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services, click here.

Applicants must apply online at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/310317. In addition to the information requested by the UNC website, applicants should post the following at www.mathjobs.org:

  1. The AMS Standard Cover Sheet online form
  2. A curriculum vitae
  3. A research statement outlining your interests and relevant work
  4. Three letters of recommendation

Note that candidates must apply at both the UNC website and MathJobs in order to be considered for the position. The UNC website will request a list of references. Letters of recommendation only need to be uploaded to MathJobs.

Applications received by January 15, 2026, will get complete consideration. After that, applications will be reviewed on a continuing basis until the position is filled.

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Pedro Saenz at saenz@unc.edu. Include "Postdoctoral Position" in the subject line. Quick Link: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/310317

Posting Contact Information -------------------------

Department Contact Name and Title: Pedro Saenz, Associate Professor Department Contact Telephone or Email: saenz@unc.edu Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information: If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Universitys Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at 919-962-9982 or send an email to opa@unc.edu.

Please note that 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.

About the Company

U

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Education
WEBSITE
http://www.sph.unc.edu/nutr/