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

UNC-Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks multiple Post-Doctoral Research Associates for the Lai Lab to advance in vivo engineering of immune cells for cancer and infectious diseases. Candidates should have a strong publication record and training in virology, molecular biology, gene delivery, or related fields.

Ideal applicants have 3+ years of training in North America or Europe, with potential for mentorship and collaboration across disciplines, and a focus on translating innovations

Qualifications

• PhD required with strong record of scientific productivity.
• At least 3 years of training/research experience in North America or Europe.
• Experience in virology, molecular biology, gene delivery, or related disciplines preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and oversee graduate and undergraduate students and research staff.
• Collaborate with industry partners and other research teams.
• Publish high-impact papers and develop translatable innovations during training.
• Contribute to the Lai Lab's multidisciplinary research program.

Skills

Virology

Molecular biology

Immunology

Computational modeling

Bioengineering

CAR-T

Gene delivery

Immunotherapy

Education

PhD

Tools

Yeast display

Phage display

Job description

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

Position Summary

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.

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.

Job Details

Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week 40

FTE 1

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range Dependent on experience and qualification.

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.

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.

Optional and Required Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).