CPC BioSoc Post-Doc Trainee

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position as CPC BioSoc Post-Doc Trainee funded by NICHD. The program trains scientists to work across social and biological sciences to study health and health disparities across the life course.

This 12-month full‑time appointment begins January 2027, with a start date negotiable and potential for renewal.

Qualifications

• PhD or doctoral degree completed before the start date.
• US Citizens or Permanent Residents eligible at the time of appointment.
• Experience and interest in biosocial health research.

Skills

Biosocial research

Interdisciplinary collaboration

US citizenship or permanent residency

Education

PhD or doctoral degree

Job description

Department:

Carolina Population Center - 631100

Posting Open Date:

09/21/2026

Application Deadline:

11/20/2026

Open Until Filled:

No

Position Type:

Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Title:

CPC BioSoc Post-Doc Trainee

Vacancy ID:

PDS004972

Full-time/Part-time:

Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week:

40

FTE:

1

Work Location:

Chapel Hill, NC

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

Salary range based on the NIH NRSA FY 2026 stipend schedule, subject to adjustment by NIH. See: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-23-076.html

Proposed Start Date:

01/11/2027

Estimated Duration of Appointment:

12 Months

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 and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

Since 1966, researchers at the Carolina Population Center have pioneered data collection and research techniques that move population science forward by emphasizing life course approaches, longitudinal surveys, the integration of biological measurement into social surveys, and attention to context and environment. We are also at the forefront of creating interdisciplinary training programs that integrate approaches from the social and biological sciences, building research capacity and training the next generation of scholars. Our faculty fellows address pressing research questions about population dynamics, fertility, health, mortality, migration, and the environment. Faculty come from multiple disciplines, benefitting from the cross-pollination of ideas. Our dedicated research and programming staff support fellows at every stage of project development, from conception through data collection or acquisition, analysis and dissemination, and project administration. https://www.cpc.unc.edu/about/

Position Summary:

The Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position with the NICHD-funded T32 training program, ‘From Biological to Social Processes: Interdisciplinary Training in Life Course Research’. This program aims to promote and support interdisciplinary training of PhD students and postdoctoral scholars from both the social sciences and biological/health sciences.
The goal of this program is to train scientists to move across disciplinary boundaries and employ creative and integrative approaches to understanding the complex factors that influence health and health disparities across the life course. Trainees will have the opportunity to receive interdisciplinary mentorship and training in a wide array of methods and content areas, ranging from social inequalities to biological processes. Trainees will identify a co-preceptor team comprised of a mentor from their home discipline and another representing their new interdisciplinary interest area from among the current training faculty.
The initial term of appointment is one year, with a preferred start date in January 2027 (negotiable). Reappointment for a second year is possible with continued funding.
Additional supplementary materials are required. Please carefully review the special instructions section of this posting.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Postdoctoral scholars must have received their PhD or earned doctoral degree before the start date of the traineeship.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

This position requires successful applicants to be US Citizens/Permanent residents at the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

Experience and interest in biosocial research on human health and wellbeing.

Special Instructions:

Applicants must complete the supplementary application package which includes a cover letter, CV, graduate transcripts, 1-2 writing samples from peer reviewed publications, 3 letters of recommendation, and 2 letters of endorsement from faculty mentors in the Biosocial Training Program. The supplementary application package should be submitted here:Supplemental Application Package
In order for your application to be considered, you must complete both an application through this posting AND the supplementary application package linked above. All materials including the supplementary application package, letters of recommendation and endorsement, and your submission through the UNC HR website are due no later than November 20th, 2026.
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here