Post-Doc Research Associate - Cameron/Arnold Lab

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cameron-Arnold laboratory at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill seeks a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Associate to study the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of RNA virus genome replication. The role emphasizes enzymology of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, ATPases, helicases, and replication complexes.

The successful candidate will explore initiation, elongation, fidelity, and RNA transcription regulation using quantitative enzymology, protein

Qualifications

• PhD required in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or closely related field.
• Experience in protein biochemistry, enzymology, molecular biophysics, or mechanistic studies of protein-nucleic acid interactions desirable.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification, quantitative enzyme kinetics, fluorescence spectroscopy or biophysical characterization is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Investigate biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of RNA virus genome replication.
• Define molecular mechanisms of viral RNA synthesis: initiation, elongation, fidelity, recombination.
• Characterize viral ATPases and helicases and multiprotein replication complex function.
• Develop mechanistic projects and pursue interdisciplinary collaboration.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Biophysics

Quantitative enzymology

Education

PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or closely related discipline

Job description

Posting Information

Department Microbiology and Immunology - 422501

Posting Open Date 10/15/2026

Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes

Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate - Cameron/Arnold Lab

Vacancy ID PDS005001

Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week 40

FTE 1

Work Location Chapel Hill, NC

Position Location North Carolina, US

Qualifications Hiring Range Dependent on experience and/or qualifications

Proposed Start Date 12/01/2026

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

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 Cameron-Arnold laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to investigate the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of RNA virus genome replication. Our laboratory has established, NIH -supported research programs focused on the enzymology of RNA -dependent RNA polymerases, viral ATPases and helicases, and the protein complexes responsible for genome replication in picornaviruses, alphaviruses, and coronaviruses.

Research will focus on defining the molecular mechanisms of viral RNA synthesis, including initiation, elongation, nucleotide selection, fidelity, RNA recombination, and the regulation of viral replication machinery. Additional areas of investigation include the kinetic mechanisms of viral ATPases and helicases, the assembly and function of multiprotein replication complexes, coronavirus RNA proofreading and transcription, and the biochemical mechanisms of antiviral drug action and resistance. These studies employ a combination of quantitative enzymology, protein biochemistry, molecular biophysics, and complementary structural and cellular approaches.

The successful candidate will develop and pursue mechanistic research projects within the laboratory’s established areas of investigation. Our overarching goal is to establish a quantitative understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing RNA virus genome replication and to use this knowledge to identify opportunities for antiviral therapeutic development. The position offers extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, development of advanced biochemical and biophysical expertise, scientific publication, and preparation for an independent research career.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Prior research experience in protein biochemistry, enzymology, molecular biophysics, or mechanistic studies of protein-nucleic acid interactions. Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification, quantitative enzyme kinetics, fluorescence spectroscopy, nucleic acid biochemistry, or biophysical characterization of macromolecular complexes is desirable. Experience with pre-steady-state kinetics or viral replication proteins would be particularly valuable but is not required. Candidates demonstrating strong quantitative and analytical skills, scientific curiosity, effective communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Special Instructions

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Peyton Dabbs

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.