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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and vision coverage

Paid leave

Professional development support

Job summary

A leading public research university in Chapel Hill is seeking a Post-Doc Research Associate for Dr. Lai's lab. The position emphasizes advancements in immune cell engineering for treating cancer and infectious diseases. Candidates must have a PhD and 3+ years of relevant research experience, preferably in top labs. Responsibilities include mentoring students and collaborating with industry partners. The university offers a comprehensive benefits package and a stimulating research environment.

Qualifications

• Strong record of scientific productivity and innovation.
• At least 3 years of research experience in related disciplines.
• Training in top labs in North America or Europe.

Responsibilities

• Advance in vivo engineering of immune cells for cancer and infectious disease.
• Mentor graduate students and oversee research staff.
• Collaborate with industry partners.

Skills

Virology

Molecular biology

Gene delivery

Immune cell therapy

Computational modeling

Immunology

Bioengineering

Education

PhD

Job description

Posting Information

Department SOP-DPMP - 452400

Posting Open Date 01/12/2026

Application Deadline Open Until Filled

Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar

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

Vacancy ID PDS004748

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 qualification.

Proposed Start Date 02/09/2026

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 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

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School’s Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/oe/strategic-plan/).

Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world’s most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.

Position Summary

Multiple Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are available in the Lai Lab at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. We seek intellectually curious and highly motivated candidates with a strong record of scientific productivity and innovation. Ideal applicants will have expertise in virology, molecular biology, gene delivery, immune cell therapy, computational modeling, immunology, bioengineering, or closely related disciplines.

The primary focus is to advance in vivo engineering of immune cells for cancer, auto-immune and/or infectious disease applications, with the goal of not only advancing safe and highly efficacious therapies but also with cost profiles that greatly reduce access barriers for many immunotherapies. We broadly welcome applications from top applicants who can contribute unique expertise towards this effort. As the research progresses forward, the understanding is that there will be room for the research area to also evolve over time. The top applicants are expected to have received training in top labs in respective fields, have multiple first-author publications, and have at least 3 years of training occurring in either North America or Europe. We will provide salary and research support for the postdocs’ research, with the goal of publishing multiple high-impact papers and developing translatable innovations during the training period. The Lai Lab has a strong track record of advancing innovations at the interface of immunology and engineering into clinical applications, with numerous inventions from the lab currently undergoing active clinical and preclinical development.

Beyond leading their immediate research area, postdoctoral researchers are expected to serve as mentors and help oversee graduate students, undergraduate students, and/or research staff involved in the work. The position also involves collaboration with relevant research partners, including industry collaborators.

Application Instructions: 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.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

PhD.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

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

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Viral gene delivery, CAR -T therapies, computational protein modeling and design, directed evolution (Yeast display, phage display) is preferred.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Special Instructions

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/311757

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Alekya Padmanabhuni, HR Business Partner

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.