Post-Doc Research Associate - Yates Lab

PeopleAdmin, Inc.; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill is seeking a Post-Doc Research Associate to join the Yates Lab in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The role focuses on uterine cancer mechanisms using preclinical models and human tissues.

The successful candidate will study environmental factors affecting cancer development and outcomes, including obesity, hormones, and stress, with biomarker analyses to advance our understanding and prevention strategies.

Qualifications

• PhD in a biological science, or related field, degree.
• Candidate must have enthusiasm for research, interest in mentoring junior researchers, exceptional organization skills, and strong communication skills.
• Experience in cancer biology or hormone signaling/endocrinology is strongly preferred. Prior experience with both bioinformatics and tissue (or organoid) cultures is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Study contributions of environmental factors (e.g., obesity, hormones, stress) in endometrial cancer development and outcomes through human tissue and blood-based biomarker studies.
• Work in the Yates Lab to investigate mechanisms of uterine cancer development using preclinical models and human tissues.
• Collaborate with team members to advance research outputs and publications.

Skills

Enthusiasm for research

Mentoring junior researchers

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Literature reading

Education

PhD in biological sciences

Tools

Bioinformatics

Tissue culture (organoids)

Job description

Posting Information

Department

Department Pathology Lab Med - Research - 413804

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 10/20/2025

Application Deadline

Open Until Filled Yes

Position Type

Position Title

Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate - Yates Lab

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID PDS004684

Full-time/Part-time

Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week 40

FTE

FTE 1

Work Location

Position Location

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range

Hiring Range Dependent on Experience and Qualifications

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 School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing 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. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to be the nation’s leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.

OUR MISSION

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 will 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 will prepare tomorrow’s health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.

Research

We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.

Position Summary

Incidence and mortality of endometrial (uterine) cancer are increasing at an alarming rate. Obesity, hormone exposures, and inherited DNA mismatch repair defects are major risk factors for developing uterine cancer. Despite these known risk conditions, significant knowledge gaps remain in defining mechanisms of uterine cancer development. Health disparities in uterine cancer outcomes have been observed in underserved populations, yet these disparities have received limited attention at the molecular level.

A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the lab of Dr. Melinda Yates at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Yates lab uses preclinical models and human tissue studies to investigate mechanisms of uterine cancer development and identify opportunities for cancer prevention. The successful applicant will study contributions of environmental factors (e.g., obesity, hormones, stress) in endometrial cancer development and outcomes through human tissue and blood-based biomarker studies, including spatial biology approaches.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

PhD in a biological science, or related field, degree.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Candidate must have enthusiasm for research, interest in mentoring junior researchers, exceptional organization skills, and strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Experience in cancer biology or hormone signaling/endocrinology is strongly preferred. Prior experience with both bioinformatics and tissue (or organoid) cultures is preferred.

Special Instructions

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

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.

Optional and Required Documents

• Required Documents
  • Curriculum Vitae / Resume
  • List of References
• Optional Documents
  • Cover Letter
  • Writing/research Sample

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).