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 Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research seeks to improve the health of individuals, families, and populations by understanding the problems, issues, and alternatives in the design and delivery of health care services. This is accomplished through an interdisciplinary program of research, consultation, technical assistance, and training that focuses on timely and policy-relevant questions concerning the accessibility, adequacy, organization, cost, and effectiveness of health care services, and the dissemination of this information to policymakers and the general public.
Position Summary
The NRSA Primary Care Research Fellowship program's two to three-year curriculum includes coursework leading to an MPH or PhD degree in UNC's School of Public Health, extensive hands-on research involvement, a weekly fellows' seminar covering research methods, reviews of fellows' works-in-progress and professional communication organized by the School of Medicine's NC TraCS. MD fellows see patients two to three half-days each week during their fellowship. The Program uses the extensive resources and broad faculty of a major public research university.
Positions are available beginning July 1, 2026 in a fellowship that trains family physicians, general internists, general pediatricians, and PhD researchers for academic primary care research careers. A start date later than July 1st can be negotiated. Of the program's 75+ fellow-graduates over the past 36 years, more than 80% have moved to research-focused positions in academia upon graduation. The program is principally funded through NIH/HRSA National Research Service Award grant. Salaries (Stipends) vary from $62,232 to $75,564 (2025 salary amounts) depending on individuals' years of experience and training since obtaining a doctoral degree and are set by NIH. Funds are also provided for travel to meetings, project expenses, health insurance, and tuition & fees. Fellows are eligible to apply for NIH Loan Repayment support. Interviews for competitive applicants are continuous and positions will be offered as competitive candidates are identified.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
MD or DO degree with Residency completed in a Primary Care Field (General Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Medicine-Pediatrics or Family Medicine) or PhD degree in health services research or similar field.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
For MD or DO applicants: graduation from an accredited medical school and eligible to obtain an unrestricted medical license in North Carolina.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
n/a
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Apply online and provide CV/Resume, Cover letter, and a Personal Statement uploaded as 'Other Document' detailing your objectives in undertaking a research-oriented training fellowship and your proposed career direction after the fellowship.
Also, applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation on letterhead from persons familiar with your talents, interests, promise in research, and future directly to the program coordinator, Lindsay McCall at: lmccall@email.unc.edu. More information can be found at https://go.unc.edu//Sheps/PCRapplication .
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/306790