Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The UNC Philosophy, Politics and Economics Program is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The successful applicant will contribute to PPE research and teach two PPE courses each semester. The appointment is for two years with a possible third year, contingent on review.

Eligible candidates have recently earned a Ph.D. in philosophy, political science, economics, or PPE-related fields. The postdoc will help organize PPE activities and participate in the program’s interdisciplinary

Qualifications

• PhD in philosophy, political science, economics, or PPE-related field.
• Recent PhD holders encouraged to apply.
• Postdoctoral appointment open to interdisciplinary PPE research.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to PPE research and publish findings.
• Teach two PPE courses each semester.
• Help organize PPE activities and extracurricular programming.

Skills

Interest in PPE research

Education

PhD in philosophy, political science, economics, or PPE-related field

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Department

Department Philosophy - 311900

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 11/05/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 12/07/2026

Open Until Filled No

Position Type

Position Title

Position Title Postdoctoral Research Associate

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID PDS005019

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/or 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 Philosophy, Politics & Economics ( PPE ) Program is a large interdisciplinary program at the University of North Carolina, established in 2005. The PPE Program focuses on the intersection of the three disciplines in its title, where concerns for efficiency and efficacy as well as commitments to rights, justice, and liberty, are applied to social and political institutions. The PPE Program houses the international Philosophy, Politics & Economics Society, , offers an undergraduate PPE Minor, and runs an active extra-curricular program. The PPE Program is committed to integrating abstract work in philosophy, political science, and economics with an informed and practical understanding of social, economic, political, and moral problems. Further information about the PPE Program and its courses is available at ppe.unc.edu.

Position Summary

The UNC Philosophy, Politics and Economics Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is recruiting for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The selected candidate will be expected to contribute, through their own research activity, to the thriving PPE research community here at UNC , to teach two PPE courses each semester. The appointment will be for two years with the possibility of a third year, contingent upon satisfactory performance review and approval by the Program Director. The position is open to candidates who have recently earned their Ph.D. in philosophy, political science, or economics, or any another PPE -related field of study. The positions are designed to help recent PhDs 'gear-up' for permanent positions in PPE at colleges and universities. We have a strong record of placing people in positions in the U.S. and internationally. The candidate will be actively involved in the PPE Program, helping to organize and run aspects of its active extracurricular programming. Further information about the PPE Program and its courses is available at ppe.unc.edu.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

PhD in philosophy, political science, economics, or another area directly connected to PPE .

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

PhD in philosophy, political science, economics, or another area directly connected to PPE .

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

An active interest in and engagement with research on social and political institutions that does, or will, benefit from bringing together the tools of the three namesake fields of PPE .

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Special Instructions

Department Contact Telephone or Email [e-mail]

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.

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
• Cover Letter
• List of References
• Teaching Philosophy/evaluations
• Sample Syllabus
• Research Statement
• Optional Documents
• Other Document

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).