Post-Doc Research Associate (Liu Lab)

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 62,232 - 67,824; Full time

Job summary

The Liu Lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the evolutionary mechanisms shaping the pathogenicity and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria.

The position will focus on identifying genetic determinants that drive bacterial adaptation to the host and antimicrobial resistance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in microbiology, genetics, or a related field.
• Ph.D. or all but dissertation for Ph.D.
• Experience in microbial genomics or evolution preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply population-genomic and statistical frameworks to detect non-canonical selection and adaptive convergence.
• Integrate multi-dimensional datasets to elucidate how bacterial evolution affects disease progression and treatment outcomes.

Skills

Microbial genomics

Evolutionary biology

Bioinformatics

Computational biology

Education

Ph.D. in microbiology, genetics, or related field

Job description

Details

• Department: Genetics - 423501
• Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar
• Position Title: Post-Doc Research Associate (Liu Lab)
• Vacancy ID: PDS004680
• 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: $62,232 - $67,824 dependent on experience
• Proposed Start Date: 12/01/2025
• Estimated Duration of Appointment: 12 Months

Position Summary

The Liu Lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the evolutionary mechanisms that shape the pathogenicity and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). This position will focus on identifying the genetic determinants that drive bacterial adaptation to the host environment and contribute to antimicrobial resistance and persistence during infection.

The successful candidate will leverage large-scale longitudinal clinical cohorts and bacterial isolate collections obtained through collaborations. The research will involve developing and applying novel population-genomic and statistical frameworks to detect non-canonical forms of natural selection, adaptive convergence, and bacterial traits associated with transmission, virulence, and treatment outcomes.

This position will require integration of multi-dimensional datasets including genomic, transcriptomic, phenotypic, and clinical metadata to elucidate how bacterial evolution influences disease progression and therapeutic response. The postdoc will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with computational biologists, microbiologists, and clinicians, and to contribute to the design of follow-up functional validation experiments.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Ph.D. in microbiology, genetics, computational biology, or a related field.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Ph.D. or all but dissertation for Ph.D.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in microbial genomics, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, or computational biology, with an interest in translational applications that connect bacterial evolution to clinical impact. Experience in bacterial genomics or evolution is preferred.

Special Instructions

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services, click here.

Contact and Equal Opportunity

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.

Posting Contacts: Lisa Thompson, HR Consultant — [e-mail]