Post-Doc Research Associate - Cameron/Arnold Lab

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Paid leave

Professional development

Job summary

The Cameron-Arnold Laboratory at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of RNA virus genome replication.

Our laboratory focuses on picornaviruses, alphaviruses, and coronaviruses, exploring how viral and host proteins coordinate RNA synthesis, replication-complex assembly, genome maintenance, and virus multiplication.

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Prior research experience in molecular virology, molecular and cellular biology, or RNA biology is desirable.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, viral replicon systems, quantitative RNA analysis, fluorescence microscopy, or cell-based studies of virus replication preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms of RNA virus genome replication.
• Coordinate with faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and scientific staff on ongoing projects.
• Develop and pursue independent research projects within established areas of investigation.
• Publish findings and present at conferences as part of career development.

Skills

Molecular virology

Cell culture

Molecular cloning

RNA analysis

Fluorescence microscopy

Education

PhD in Microbiology/Virology/Biochemistry

Tools

Mammalian cell culture

Job description

Position Information

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 the 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 molecular and cellular mechanisms of RNA virus genome replication. Our laboratory has established research programs supported by the National Institutes of Health that focus on picornaviruses, alphaviruses, and coronaviruses. These programs seek to understand how viral and host proteins coordinate viral RNA synthesis, replication-complex assembly, genome maintenance, and virus multiplication.

Research will integrate molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and virology to investigate the mechanisms governing viral genome replication and the interactions between viral replication machinery and the host cell. Areas of investigation include the regulation of genomic and subgenomic RNA synthesis, formation and function of membrane-associated replication complexes, viral RNA recombination, and the contributions of viral and host factors to genome replication and virus assembly. These studies will complement ongoing biochemical and biophysical investigations of viral replication proteins and macromolecular complexes.

The successful candidate will develop and pursue research projects within the laboratory's established areas of investigation, working collaboratively with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and scientific staff. Our overarching objective is to advance fundamental knowledge of RNA virus replication and identify mechanisms that may be exploited for antiviral therapeutic development. The position provides opportunities for scientific independence, interdisciplinary collaboration, publication, and professional development in preparation for an independent research career.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

PhD in Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

PhD in Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Prior research experience in molecular virology, molecular and cellular biology, or RNA biology. Experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, viral replicon systems, quantitative RNA analysis, fluorescence microscopy, or cell-based studies of virus replication is desirable. Candidates demonstrating strong experimental skills, scientific curiosity, effective communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Job Details

• Full-time Temporary
• Hours per week: 40
• 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
• Position Title: Post-Doc Research Associate - Cameron/Arnold Lab
• Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar
• Open Until Filled: Yes

Benefits and Perks

• comprehensive medical and vision coverage
• paid leave
• benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327096

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.

Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Peyton Dabbs

Department Contact Telephone or Email: [e-mail]

Postdoctoral Affairs: 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.