Post-Doc Research Associate - Vaziri-Bowser labs

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a Post-Doc Research Associate in the Vaziri-Bowser labs. This full-time temporary position supports a collaborative, co-mentored program focusing on DNA damage response and genome stability in cancer biology.

The candidate will investigate DDR mechanisms, cell cycle control, and their implications for therapeutic response, with mentorship across academic and industry-relevant collaborations.

Qualifications

• Experience in DNA damage and cell cycle fields.
• Strong knowledge of signal transduction, genome maintenance, DNA replication, and cell cycle.
• Independence in designing experiments, data collection and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with ethical guidelines, regulations, and policies governing research.

Responsibilities

• Join a collaborative, co-mentored research program between the Vaziri and Bowser labs.
• Investigate mechanisms of the DNA damage response, cell cycle regulation, and genome stability.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and publication of findings in scientific journals.

Skills

DNA damage & cell cycle

Education

MD or PhD in a biological science or related discipline

Job description

Department

Pathology Lab Med - Research - 413804

Open Until Filled

Yes

Position Type

Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Title

Post-Doc Research Associate - Vaziri-Bowser labs

Vacancy ID

PDS004937

Full-time/Part-time

Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week

40

FTE

1

Work Location

Chapel Hill, NC

Position Location

North Carolina, US

Qualifications

Hiring Range Dependent on Experience and Qualifications

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 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 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 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a collaborative, co-mentored research program between the laboratories of Dr. Cyrus Vaziri and Dr. Jessica Bowser. The successful candidate will investigate fundamental mechanisms of the DNA damage response ( DDR ), cell cycle regulation, and their implications for genome stability, cancer biology, and therapeutic response For recent related publications please see: Nat Commun. 2025 Aug 5;16(1):7214. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-62368-8. PMID : 40764480; Cell Rep. 2025 Jan 28;44(1):115104. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.115104. Epub 2024 Dec 20. PMID : 39708320; Nat Commun. 2024 Mar 4;15(1):1957. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-45979-5. PMID : 38438348. This position offers the unique benefit of dual academic mentorship, along with industry-relevant experience through collaborations with the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery ( UNC ) and the Metabolomics and Exposome Laboratory ( UNC ). These collaborations will provide the candidate with access to complementary expertise, resources, and scientific perspectives across multiple disciplines.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

MD or PhD in a biological science or related discipline.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Experience in DNA damage and cell cycle fields.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Knowledge
• Subject-specific knowledge: A strong base of knowledge in signal transduction, genome maintenance, DNA replication, cell cycle, and how these processes impact carcinogenesis and cancer therapy.
• Research methods: Independence and expertise in designing experiments, collecting data, and performing necessary techniques.
• Responsible conduct of research: Familiarity with ethical guidelines, regulations, and policies governing research.
• Funding and publishing: Understanding the processes for securing grants and publishing findings in scientific journals.

Skills

• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively through writing (manuscripts) and speaking (seminars, presentations) to both specialized and broad audiences.
• Data analysis and statistics: Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., GraphPad Prism) and strong analytical skills, ability to generate high-resolution publication-quality figures (e.g. using Adobe Illustrator).
• Technical skills: Demonstrated expertise in state-of-the-art molecular biology, cell biology, genetic, and biochemical approaches required to study mechanisms of genome maintenance. This includes cell culture, DNA cloning, mutagenesis, expressing proteins in mammalian and bacterial cells, gene editing, protein biochemistry, imaging, flow cytometry. Ability to learn new techniques quickly and efficiently. Ability to troubleshoot.
• Project management: Ability to multi-task, manage time, projects, and resources effectively.
• Scientific writing: Ability to write manuscripts and generate high-quality figures.

Abilities

• Adaptability and resilience: The capacity to adapt to new research directions, technologies, and work environments.
• Independent work: The ability to work independently, formulate and test hypotheses, and drive your own research.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking: Analytical ability to identify problems and find effective solutions.
• Collaboration: Working effectively in interdisciplinary and collaborative teams.
• Leadership and management: Interpersonal skills necessary to manage a project, collaborate with others, and facilitate teamwork.
• Professionalism: reliable, accountable, considerate, honest.
• Goal-orientation and professional maturity: Understanding that this position strictly requires achieving research milestones and deliverables (manuscripts) that benefit the entire lab while facilitating your own professional goals. The PIs (Vaziri and Bowser) will be committed to your success: they will develop an individual training plan ( IDP ) that is tailored to your specific needs and will ensure that you attain your scientific and career goals.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/323634

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Cyrus Vaziri, Professor

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.