Post-Doc Research Associate - Cameron/Arnold Lab

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

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC invites applications for a Post-Doc Research Associate in the Cameron/Arnold Lab. The role focuses on the enzymology and biophysics of RNA virus genome replication, with emphasis on initiation, elongation, fidelity, and replication complex dynamics.

The successful candidate will apply quantitative enzymology, protein biochemistry, molecular biophysics, and related structural approaches in a multidisciplinary setting, with strong

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or closely related discipline.
• Experience in protein biochemistry, enzymology, and biophysical studies.
• Strong quantitative and analytical abilities; able to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Investigate molecular mechanisms of RNA virus genome replication.
• Characterize initiation, elongation, fidelity, and regulation of viral RNA synthesis.
• Develop mechanistic biochemical/biophysical approaches in a collaborative lab.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Enzymology

Molecular biophysics

Protein purification

Quantitative skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Fluorescence spectroscopy

Recombinant protein expression

Pre-steady-state kinetics

Job description

Department:

Microbiology and Immunology - 422501

Posting Open Date:

10/15/2026

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

Hiring Range:

Dependent on experience and/or qualifications

Proposed Start Date:

12/01/2026

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 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 Instructions:

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here.