Postdoc Research Fellow - Dr. Cao Lab

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill invites applications for a Postdoc Research Fellow in the Dr. Cao Lab in Chapel Hill, NC.

The role focuses on integrating mechanistic modeling with machine learning to analyze drug properties and patient responses using real-world and regulatory datasets. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field, a strong publication record, and experience with computational modeling and PK/PD.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, CS, Regulatory Science, or related fields.
• Strong publication record and expertise in computational modeling, data analysis, and ML methods.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills; PK/PD modeling or systems pharmacology is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop datasets and modeling approaches to support drug development and regulatory evaluation.
• Relate PK features to patient characteristics and predict relationships using ML with trial data.
• Collaborate across disciplines to integrate mechanistic modeling with machine learning.
• Work with regulatory science datasets to inform decision-making.

Skills

Computational modeling

Data analysis

Statistical / ML methods

Scientific writing

Communication skills

Regulatory science familiarity

Education

PhD in Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computer Science, Regulatory Science, or related fields

Tools

PK/PD modeling

Regulatory datasets analysis

Job description

Position Information

Position Title: Postdoc Research Fellow – Dr. Cao Lab

Department: SOP-DPET - 452200

Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar

Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week: 40

FTE: 1

Work Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Estimated Duration of Appointment: 12 Months

Position Summary

Our research group develops datasets and modeling approaches to support drug development and regulatory evaluation. We focus on:

• Drug Pharmacokinetics (PK) and Clinical Relevance: relate PK features to patient characteristics, drug efficacy, and safety; predict relationships using machine learning with drug-specific information, patient demographics, and clinical trial data.
• Modeling for Regulatory Science: build models and generate evidence from regulatory datasets to inform decision-making and accelerate development of safe and effective therapeutics.

We are seeking multiple highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellows with expertise in systems pharmacology, machine learning, and/or data science to join our interdisciplinary team. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of drug development, regulatory science, and advanced computational modeling, integrating mechanistic modeling and machine learning to analyze and predict drug properties, patient responses, and benefit-risk profiles using real-world and regulatory datasets. The position provides opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in the field.

Minimum Education and Experience

PhD in Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Computer Science, Regulatory Science, or related fields.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Strong publication record in relevant disciplines.
• Demonstrated expertise in computational modeling, data analysis, and statistical/machine learning methods.
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills.
• Experience in mechanistic PK/PD modeling or systems pharmacology is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with regulatory science or clinical trial data is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Strong publication record in relevant disciplines.
• Demonstrated expertise in computational modeling, data analysis, and statistical/machine learning methods.
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills.
• Experience in mechanistic PK/PD modeling or systems pharmacology is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with regulatory science or clinical trial data is a plus.

Special Instructions

Apply online at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/305754 with a cover letter describing research experience, interests, and career goals, a CV/resume with full publication list, and three professional references with full contact information.

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

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Mac Balatico, HR Business Partner

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 [e-mail]. Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not provide 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 identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply.