Post-Doc Research Associate

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and vision coverage

Paid leave for personal development

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Pharmacology. The role focuses on studying hippocampal neurogenesis and requires extensive neuroscience research experience. This position offers a chance to contribute to cutting-edge research in a leading institution.

Qualifications

• Strong background in cellular and molecular neuroscience.
• Extensive experience with mouse models and research techniques.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Investigate neuronal circuitry and mechanisms regulating neurogenesis.
• Conduct experiments using various neuroscience techniques.
• Collaborate with team members on research projects.

Skills

Cellular neuroscience

Molecular neuroscience

Experimental techniques

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience

Ph.D. in Neurobiology

Tools

Patch-clamp electrophysiology

Calcium imaging

Optogenetics

Chemogenetics

Confocal microscopy

Job description

Posting Information

Posting Details

Department	Pharmacology - 424001
Posting Open Date	05/27/2025
Application Deadline	06/06/2025
Open Until Filled	No
Position Type	Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title	Post-Doc Research Associate
Vacancy ID	PDS004547
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
Proposed Start Date	08/01/2025
Estimated Duration of Appointment	12 Months

Position Information

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.

A position is available for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (RA) in the laboratory of Dr. Juan Song in the Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine. The overall goal of Song lab is to identify neuronal circuitry and signaling mechanisms that regulate distinct stages of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and investigate how circuit- and behavior-level information-processing properties are remodeled by the integration of new neurons into the existing circuits.
The work involves the application of multifaceted approaches to investigate neural circuitry and molecular mechanisms regulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis and hippocampal functions, including circuit-based retrograde and anterograde tracing, patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, in vivo and in vitro optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations, lineage tracing of adult neural stem cells, and high-resolution confocal microscopy.
The successful candidate should be highly motivated and will be expected to exhibit a strong work ethic, individual initiative, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team on research projects.

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, or a related field

Strong background in cellular and molecular neuroscience
Extensive experience with mouse models of epilepsy, neurodegeneration, or autonomic dysfunction
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively

Extensive hands-on experience with mouse models of epilepsy, neurodegeneration, and autonomic dysfunction, including conditional knockout models.
Proficiency in advanced neuroscience techniques such as patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and confocal microscopy.
Experience mentoring undergraduate students and organizing lab activities, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing lab environment.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

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
Position Summary
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Special Instructions
Quick Link	https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/301809

Posting 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.

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.

Department Contact Name and Title	Maria Montemurro, HR Consultant
Department Contact Telephone or Email	[e-mail]
Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement