Assistant Director

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 60,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Campus discounts on events

Discounts on retail and services

Child care savings

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an Assistant Director to design and implement innovative professional development programs for biomedical graduate students and postdoctoral trainees. You will support communication, curate career resources, and provide individualized advising on diverse career pathways.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will contribute to grant proposals, build partnerships, and advance education research initiatives to strengthen trainee outcomes and

Qualifications

• Experience supporting biomedical graduate students, postdocs, or early career researchers through professional development and advising.
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Experience developing career resources and contributing to grant proposals or scholarly work.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement innovative professional development programs for 500+ biomedical graduate students and 350+ postdoctoral trainees.
• Support strategic communication and outreach to the research trainee community.
• Assist with grant proposals and cultivate partnerships to enhance trainee development.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Grant proposals

Education

Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree

PhD in life sciences (preferred)

Tools

Budgeting

Scheduling

Administrative support

Job description

Posting Information

Department: Office of BioSTaR - SOM-420301

Career Area: Academic Administration

Posting Open Date: 09/08/2026

Application Deadline: 09/21/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Assistant Director

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty Instructional

Position Number: 20078275

Vacancy ID: NF0010009

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $60,000.00- $77,000.00

Proposed Start Date: 10/12/2026

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. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit

Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Caroli‑ninians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.

Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education: We prepare tomorrow’s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director will play a key role in the design and implementation of innovative professional development programs serving more than 500 biomedical graduate students and over 350 postdoctoral trainees. This position will support strategic communication and outreach to the research trainee community; contribute to the development, curation, and long‑term maintenance of high-quality career development resources; and provide individualized advising on diverse career pathways. The Assistant Director will also assist with the preparation of grant proposals to advance outreach and educational initiatives, cultivate and sustain meaningful partnerships within and beyond UNC to enhance trainee development, and contribute to ongoing publication efforts related to education research and training initiatives.

This Assistant Director reports jointly to the Senior Director of Career Development and Science Outreach and Associate Dean for Graduate Education.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

A degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with demonstrated experience supporting biomedical graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, or early career researchers through professional development, advising, and outreach. Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills, including experience developing career resources and contributing to grant proposals or scholarly work.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

A PhD in life sciences with a postdoctoral experience preferred. Strong understanding of biomedical PhD training and graduate and postdoctoral career and professional development. Experience with program management including budgeting, scheduling, organizing communications, and administrative support is preferred. Excellent written and verbal communications skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and administrators. String organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Melanie Cruz Padilla- HR Consultant

Department Contact Telephone or Email: [e-mail]

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]

Please note: The Office of Human Resources 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.