Biology - 318200

07/20/2026

07/23/2026

No

Postdoctoral Scholar

Post-Doc Research Associate

PDS004915

Full-Time Temporary

40

1

Genome Sciences Building, Chapel Hill

North Carolina, US

$47,476 - $71,748/year

09/01/2026

12 Months

The Department of Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill is dedicated to the discovery and dissemination of new and existing knowledge in the broad discipline of Biology by maintaining a high-quality faculty who integrate cutting-edge research and student-focused teaching.

We are one of the largest academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. We have over 3,450 majors and we enroll undergraduate students in over 7,870 seats in our classes each semester. Each fall or spring semester, we offer 52 classes (70 sections) and 13 lab courses (93 sections). Our average total annual expenditure exceeds $24 million, with nearly half of that coming from grant sponsored research. Our department has nearly $70 million in active grants to support our twin missions of research and teaching. Our large research base spans many areas of biology and supports several outstanding graduate programs. We consist of 48 tenure-track faculty, 12 teaching faculty, 5 research faculty, and numerous active adjunct and emeritus faculty who are engaged in basic and interdisciplinary research and teaching, both within the department and between other departments and schools at UNC.

We currently have 50 graduate students and 30 post-docs and employ approximately 85 additional graduate and undergraduate students from across the university to assist in our teaching and research missions. Further, we are supported by an administrative staff of 20, with an additional 20 staff directly supporting research.

The Chen lab in Department of Biology studies the development, plasticity, and function of astrocytes in the nervous system. Using complementary genetic and imaging approaches in fruit flies and zebrafish model systems, the lab investigates how astrocytes acquire their complex morphology, how astrocyte-neuron interactions are regulated during development, and how astrocyte dysfunction impacts neural circuit assembly and activity. The lab provides a collaborative and supportive training environment that emphasizes scientific rigor, creativity, technical innovation, and career development. Current projects are supported by NIH funding and offer opportunities to pursue independent research at the intersection of glial biology, developmental biology, and neuroscience.

The Chen lab seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to NIH-funded research investigating astrocytes in the nervous system. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research using genetic, molecular, imaging, and quantitative approaches to study glia-neuron interactions and the mechanisms by which astrocytes shape neural circuit development and function in model organisms. Responsibilities include experimental design and execution, data analysis, manuscript preparation, presentation of research findings, mentorship of trainees, and contribution to a collaborative and inclusive laboratory environment. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in neuroscience, cell biology, developmental biology, or a related field by the start date, with a strong record of research productivity and excellent communication skills. Preferred qualifications include experience in neurobiology, glial biology, microscopy, genetics, or quantitative data analysis.

PhD in Neuroscience or related field

Experience in glial biology, microscopy.

N/A

N/A