SPIRE Post-Doc Research Associate

Overview

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. 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.

Department : Psychology and Neuroscience - 319100

Position Title : SPIRE Post-Doc Research Associate

Posting Open Date : 09 / 25 / 2025

Application Deadline : 10 / 08 / 2025

Open Until Filled : No

Position Type : Postdoctoral Scholar

Hours Per Week : 40

FTE : 1

Work Location : Chapel Hill, NC

Position Location : North Carolina, US

Estimated Duration Of Appointment : 12 Months

Vacancy ID : PDS004651

Full-time / Part-time : Full-Time Temporary

Be a Tar Heel! Core description : The SPIRE program provides multi-dimensional professional development for science researchers and educators to succeed in academic careers, blending research with undergraduate and graduate education.

Position Summary

The SPIRE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is a training experience where primary research is conducted at UNC Chapel Hill and teaching responsibilities are carried out at partner institutions in North Carolina. The postdoctoral scholar will contribute to research progress in a laboratory setting aligned with National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) priorities. Opportunities to tailor the experience include formal teaching, professional development workshops, and the development of research, teaching, and career-related competencies. SPIRE training includes a pedagogical workshop series, IDPs and annual evaluations, and regular participation in training seminars.

The SPIRE Postdoctoral Scholar will perform original, independent research in their chosen lab at UNC-Chapel Hill; work with Principal Investigators for guidance and mentoring; publish in peer-reviewed journals; present at conferences; participate in journal clubs and lab meetings; teach courses at one of four partner universities; and engage in professional development to support academic careers. The program is administratively housed in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNC Chapel Hill.

SPIRE's mission is to provide multi-dimensional professional development for science researchers and educators to succeed in academic careers, and to bring engaging teaching methods into the classroom. The program blends high-quality research training with teaching experiences in partnership institutions, across a three-year period.

Responsibilities

• Perform original, independent research in the lab setting, under the guidance of Principal Investigators.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
• Engage in journal clubs and regular laboratory meetings; contribute to collaborative projects.
• Teach courses at one of the program's partner universities.
• Participate in professional development activities to support an academic career.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Candidates must have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. or MD from an accredited program before entering SPIRE.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Preference will be given to candidates with a background in biological and biomedical sciences aligned with NIGMS priorities and an interest in teaching. Candidates must have completed all degree requirements before starting the program and have no more than 2 years of current postdoctoral experience as of September 2025.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

N / A

Special Physical / Mental Requirements

Applicants should upload a cover letter and CV. See the SPIRE website for eligibility and content requirements. Three letters of reference (PDF) should be emailed to Dr. Rybarczyk : brybar@unc.edu.

Special Instructions

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services, see the SPIRE apply page : http : / / spire.unc.edu / apply / .

EEO / Statement

Note : This description contains the essential duties and qualifications for the position. EEO statement and requirements are maintained as part of UNC-Chapel Hill postings.

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