Post-Doc Research Associate

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to lead drinking water quality research across rural U.S. settings. The role emphasizes independent project leadership within an interdisciplinary team environment.

The candidate will design and execute field and lab studies, manage data QA/QC, and contribute to reports and peer‑reviewed manuscripts, collaborating with Water Institute and Environmental Sciences and Engineering colleagues.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary team science and publishing results.
• Strong record of publications in environmental/health journals.

Responsibilities

• Design, implementation, and evaluation of field and/or laboratory research.
• Remote and in-person support, training, and supervision of field teams.
• Development of training materials for analysis of water, wastewater, and human samples.
• Data management, QA/QC and analysis of various data sources.
• Preparation of reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Development and teaching of short courses related to environmental microbiology.
• Engagement with national/international organizations to improve drinking water quality.
• Collaborate with researchers across UNC and partner institutions.

Skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Strong communication skills

Independent work

Environmental microbiology

Epidemiology

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

PCR/qPCR

Metagenomics

Data analysis software

Job description

Posting Information

Posting Details

Department: ESE - Water Institute - 463002

Posting Open Date: 07/02/2026

Application Deadline: 09/04/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Title: Post-Doc Research Associate

Vacancy ID: PDS004902

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: 04/01/2026

Estimated Duration of Appointment: 12 Months

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 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

The Water Institute at UNC was created in 2009 and is hosted within the Gillings School of Public Health (the #1 public school of global public health) in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering ( ESE ). ESE was established over 90- years ago and maintains an outstanding reputation due to the seminal contributions made by ESE research and tenure-track faculty in environmental health sciences. The Water Institute works to create a more water secure world through research, policy and practice and serves as a platform for mobilizing the knowledge, expertise, and resources that exist across UNC to address critical water and sanitation challenges within the U.S and abroad. The Water Institute includes core faculty and staff, researchers, and a network of experts and adjunct/affiliated faculty members that lead and drive research on areas related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, water resources management, and transboundary water. In addition to a robust grant portfolio, Institute staff often engage in high-level international events to drive policy reforms on water and sanitation. It also hosts the world’s largest annual international conference on water and health.

Position Summary

The Water Institute is recruiting one post-doctoral researcher interested in leading research and projects related to drinking water quality and safety in the rural United States.

This Work May Include

• Design, implementation, and evaluation of field and/or laboratory research.
• Remote and in-person support, training, and/or supervision of field teams on projects.
• Development of training materials related to analysis of water, wastewater, and human biological specimens.
• Data management, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) and analysis, including data from field research, laboratory experiments as well as secondary datasets.
• Preparation of reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Development and teaching of short courses/trainings related to environmental health microbiology.
• Engagement with national and international organizations and other partners to support the development of normative guidelines for improving drinking water quality.
• Collaboration with researchers, students, staff, and faculty at the Water Institute, in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and in other departments and centers at UNC and beyond.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

The post-doctoral fellow will have received a PhD, DrPH, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree with experience in environmental health, environmental microbiology, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, environmental microbiology, epidemiology, public health, or related fields.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to work independently and with groups, and interested in working on interdisciplinary team science. Valuable background and skills include field and laboratory experience in water quality measurement and environmental epidemiology or risk assessment.

The ideal candidate will also have experience designing, conducting, analyzing, and publishing research, and will have publications in relevant environmental, environmental health, or global health journals.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Sampling
• Analysis of microbes via PCR , dPCR, qPCR, culture, and/or metagenomics
• Data analysis including bioinformatics
• Modelling
• Academic writing and communication of results to peers
• Candidate should have education and/or experience corresponding to mathematics through differential equations, a microbiology background including environmental microbiology, and experience with quantitative analysis of environmental and/or human health data.

The successful candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills and a record of publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals. Strong proficiency in laboratory techniques and outstanding communication skills are essential for this position.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

None

Special Instructions

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Kimberly Brunson, HR 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.