Post-Doc Research Associate

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study GPCR signaling using cryo-EM, biochemistry, and cell biology techniques. The successful candidate will work under Dr.

Henrik Dohlman to map receptor complexes and signaling networks relevant to human health and disease. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field and a strong track record of publications; excellent communication and collaboration skills are

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cellular biology research methodologies.
• Record of scientific productivity through publications, presentations, or other scholarly accomplishments.

Responsibilities

• Investigate molecular and structural mechanisms regulating GPCR signaling pathways.
• Characterize receptor complexes, G protein signaling networks, and kinase-mediated regulatory mechanisms.
• Elucidate signaling desensitization, allosteric communication, and disease-associated dysfunction.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Publications

Education

PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences or closely related field

Tools

Cryo-EM

Protein biochemistry

Molecular biology techniques

Job description

Posting Information

Posting Details

Department: Pharmacology - 424001

Posting Open Date: 08/21/2026

Application Deadline: 09/11/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Title: Post-Doc Research Associate

Vacancy ID: PDS004949

Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week: 40

FTE: 1

Work Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Proposed Start Date: 01/04/2027

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

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 Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the molecular and structural mechanisms that regulate G protein-coupled receptor ( GPCR ) signaling pathways in the laboratory of Dr. Henrik Dohlman. The successful candidate will leverage expertise in structural biology, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), protein biochemistry, and cell signaling to characterize receptor complexes, G protein signaling networks, kinase-mediated regulatory mechanisms, and downstream signaling events. Research efforts will focus on understanding the molecular basis of GPCR and G protein regulation, including mechanisms of signal desensitization, allosteric communication, and disease-associated signaling dysfunction, with the goal of advancing our understanding of signal transduction processes relevant to human health and disease.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cellular biology research methodologies.
• Record of scientific productivity through publications, presentations, or other scholarly accomplishments.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Experience in GPCR signaling, receptor regulation, or cell signaling research.
• Expertise in cryo-EM, protein biochemistry, and molecular biology techniques.
• Strong record of scientific productivity, including publications and presentations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate trainees

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Maria Montemurro, Human Resources Consultant

Department Contact Telephone or Email: [e-mail]

Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail] .

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs 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.