Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in Ophthalmology to join a growing, dynamic department. The position emphasizes building an independent vision science research program and contributing to patient care and education.

Candidates should demonstrate potential for funded research, a strong publication record, and experience mentoring junior researchers.

Qualifications

• Ideal candidates will establish or sustain an independent vision science research program.
• Demonstrated potential for competitive funding and high-impact publications.
• Experience mentoring junior learners and managing personnel/budgets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent research program in vision science.
• Mentor trainees and oversee research personnel and budgets.
• Collaborate across departments to advance basic science goals.

Skills

Independent research

Mentoring

Leadership potential

Collaborative teamwork

Education

PhD/MD/MD-PhD

Job description

Posting Information

Department: Ophthalmology - 413201

Posting Open Date: 06/10/2026

Application Deadline: 10/15/2026

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

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.

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.