Post-Doc Research Associate - Dr. Sam Lai's lab

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and vision coverage

Paid leave

Professional development support

Job summary

The Lai Lab at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in Chapel Hill is seeking multiple Post-Doctoral Research Associates to advance in vivo engineering of immune cells for cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases. Candidates will conduct independent research, publish high‑impact papers, mentor students, and collaborate with industry partners during a 12‑month appointment.

The role emphasizes translational innovation and safe, cost‑effective immunotherapies.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field required.
• At least 3 years of research experience in NA or Europe.
• Experience in top laboratories in virology, molecular biology, gene delivery or related disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead research in virology, molecular biology, gene delivery, immune cell therapy, computational modeling, immunology, or related disciplines.
• Advance and apply engineering strategies for immune cell therapeutics.
• Publish multiple high‑impact papers and develop translational innovations.
• Mentor graduate students, undergraduate students, and research staff.
• Collaborate with internal research partners and industry collaborators.

Skills

Virology

Molecular biology

Gene delivery

Immunology

Bioengineering

Computational modeling

Education

PhD

Tools

Yeast display

Phage display

Viral vector design

Job description

Position Title

Post-Doc Research Associate – Dr. Sam Lai's Lab

Location

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US

Position Summary

Multiple Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are available in the Lai Lab at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. The focus is on advancing in vivo engineering of immune cells for cancer, autoimmune and/or infectious disease applications, aiming to develop safe, highly efficacious, and cost‑effective immunotherapies.

Applicants are expected to conduct independent research, publish high‑impact papers, and contribute to translational innovation during the 12‑month appointment. They will also mentor graduate, undergraduate, and staff researchers and collaborate with industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research in virology, molecular biology, gene delivery, immune cell therapy, computational modeling, immunology, bioengineering, or related disciplines.
• Advance and apply engineering strategies for immune cell therapeutics.
• Publish multiple high‑impact papers and develop translational innovations.
• Mentor graduate students, undergraduate students, and research staff.
• Collaborate with internal research partners and industry collaborators.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• PhD

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Previous training in top laboratories in virology, molecular biology, gene delivery, immune cell therapy, computational modeling, immunology, bioengineering, or related disciplines.
• At least 3 years of research experience (graduate training acceptable) in North America or Europe.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Experience with viral gene delivery, CAR‑T therapies, computational protein modeling and design, directed evolution (yeast display, phage display).

Benefits

Comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits supporting professional development and a healthy work/life balance.

Application Information

When submitting an application, please state in your cover letter why you are interested in this field of research and why you believe you would be a good fit for the Lai Lab.

Additional Information

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services, please consult the university’s resources.