Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Department of Ophthalmology seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor to join our growing research program. The candidate will have opportunity to affiliate with a basic science department and report to Dr. Benjamin J.

Frankfort, Department Chair. We seek an early career scientist with potential to establish an independent vision science program, strong publications, and a track record of funding.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD degree in an appropriate discipline.
• Strong potential to establish or have an independent research program in vision science.
• Track record of high-impact publications and capability to obtain competitive funding.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an independent vision science research program.
• Mentor junior researchers and manage personnel and budgets.
• Collaborate across clinical, teaching and translational research activities.

Education

PhD, MD, or MD/PhD degree

Job description

Posting Information

Department Ophthalmology - 413201

Posting Open Date 06/10/2026

Application Deadline 10/20/2026

Open Until Filled No

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

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 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.

Department Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Gina Austen, HR Consultant

Department Contact Telephone or Email [e-mail]

Academic Personnel Office Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to [e-mail].

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

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.