Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an Assistant Professor for a tenure track position in the Department of Ophthalmology. The candidate will play a crucial role in establishing an independent research program and will report directly to the department chair, Dr. Benjamin J. Frankfort.

Ideal candidates will possess a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD, have a promising track record in research, and may lead innovative projects aimed at improving patient care and education in the field of vision science.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD degree in an appropriate discipline (or equivalent).
• Strong potential or established independent research in vision science.
• Track record of competitive research funding and high-impact publications.

Responsibilities

• Fill a tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor.
• Establish or contribute to independent research program in vision science.
• Report to Dr. Benjamin J. Frankfort, Department Chair of Ophthalmology.

Skills

Independent research program establishment

Research funding acquisition

High-impact publications

Mentoring junior learners

Education

PhD, MD, or MD/PhD degree

Job description

Department:

Ophthalmology - 413201

Posting Open Date:

06/10/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Position Type:

Permanent Faculty

Working Title:

Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)

Appointment Type:

Tenured/Tenure Track

Vacancy ID:

FAC0005987

Full-time/Part-time:

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week:

40

FTE:

1

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Proposed Start Date:

01/01/2027

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians 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 Department of Ophthalmology in the UNC School of Medicine seeks to fill a tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor with an outstanding early career stage scientist. The Department of Ophthalmology is entering a period of growth, and this candidate will be the first scientific recruit of this new phase. The candidate will be eligible for a basic science affiliation in the department that best fits the candidate’s skills and training. This position will report to Dr. Benjamin J. Frankfort, Department Chair of Ophthalmology.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

PhD, MD, or MD/PhD degree in an appropriate discipline (or equivalent).

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

• Ideal candidates will have strong potential to establish or have established an independent research program in any field of vision science.
• The most qualified candidates will have a track record of competitive research funding, with active funding preferred.
• Consistent track record of high-impact publications and presentations that demonstrate creativity and the ability to ask fundamental scientific questions.
• Experience mentoring junior learners and top candidates will have experience managing personnel and budgets.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions:

In addition to a formal application submitted at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/320549, candidates must submit a CV, cover letter, Research Plan (for first 3-5 years), and list of 4-6 individuals (include contact information and email address) who may be contacted to provide a professional reference.