Post-Doctoral Trainee

Inside Higher Ed; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An academic institution in Chapel Hill is looking for a full-time Post-Doctoral Trainee for the Program on Integrative Medicine. This role involves rigorous research training and collaborative work on integrative health modalities. Candidates should hold a doctoral-level degree in a health-related field and demonstrate a commitment to academic research. The position offers a unique opportunity to participate in various research initiatives and present findings at national conferences.

Qualifications

• Permanent U.S. resident or U.S. citizen.
• Commitment to a career in academic research on integrative health.

Responsibilities

• Develop original research that aligns with ongoing projects.
• Create an Individual Development Plan in collaboration with directors.
• Present research at national meetings and submit manuscripts.

Skills

Research experience

Commitment to academic research

Mindfulness interventions

Nutrition interventions

Education

Doctoral-level degree in a health-related field

Job description

Post-Doctoral Trainee – Program on Integrative Medicine

Postdoctoral Scholar – Full-Time Temporary, 40 hours per week, FTE 1. Location: Chapel Hill, NC (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar. Office: Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation – 413401. Posting Open Date: 10/07/2025. Application Deadline: 01/15/2026. Proposed Start Date: 07/01/2026. Estimated Duration: 12 months.

About the Program

The Program on Integrative Medicine (PIM) within the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is seeking qualified candidates for a T32 training program. The goal of the program is to cultivate diverse, well‑trained independent researchers at postdoctoral level for leadership in investigating the efficacy, effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and implementation strategies for clinical integration of complementary, integrative, and holistic (CIH) therapies into healthcare practice.

Research Trainees Will Have the Opportunity To

• Receive rigorous training that emphasizes the development and implementation of clinical trials, including feasibility testing, mechanism evaluations, advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, systematic reviews/meta‑analysis, and implementation science methods.
• Receive a firm grounding in CIH concepts and research issues.
• Participate in the ongoing research of strong mentors.
• Develop and conduct significant studies that will provide a foundation for future funded research.
• Participate in the development of innovative research tools and measures to better examine CIH approaches to care.

Required Fellowship Activities

• Participation in a primary research project with Drs. Gaylord, Giscombe, Faurot, and potentially another approved UNC faculty mentor. (See website for details of mentors committed to the program.)
• Research with Dr. Gaylord on mindfulness interventions for pain conditions, anxiety, and risk of depression.
• Research with Dr. Giscombe on biopsychosocial research, including biomarkers associated with mindfulness and the Superwoman Schema for Black/African American women and healing professionals.
• Research with Dr. Faurot on nutrition interventions for chronic pain conditions, dietary supplement safety, and mindfulness interventions for caregivers of persons living with dementia.
• Collaboration with other affiliated researchers who have expertise in implementation science.

Duties (but not limited to)

• Develop an original research area that aligns with ongoing projects at the Program on Integrative Medicine or other UNC collaborators.
• Attend Responsible Conduct of Research courses offered by the NC TraCS Institute, and the fall semester “Principles and Practices of Alternative and Complementary Medicine” course.
• Attend the T‑32 Fellows Weekly Seminar and in‑person meetings scheduled monthly.
• Create an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in collaboration with fellowship directors; submit in September and March each year.
• Meet with one Fellowship Director biweekly and all three directors biannually to review progress toward IDP goals.
• Complete coursework at UNC‑Chapel Hill relevant to the educational research needs of the fellow (non‑degree graduate coursework or part of an optional research degree).
• Attend an integrative health conference annually and other approved conferences and seminars.
• Present research at one or more national meetings per year and to groups within the university.
• Submit 1–3 manuscripts the first year and 2–3 manuscripts the second year to peer‑reviewed journals, with at least one first‑authored manuscript.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Doctoral‑level degree in a health‑related field (MD, ND, PhD, DO, DC, DOM, PharmD, DPT, OTD, DNP, etc.).
• Permanent U.S. resident or U.S. citizen.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to a career in academic research on complementary, alternative, and integrative health modalities such as mind‑body or nutrition interventions.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Research experience relating to complementary and integrative health is preferred.

Special Instructions

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