Postdoctoral Research Associate

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and vision coverage

Paid leave

Postdoctoral benefits and services

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance biomaterials-enabled cellular immunotherapy for solid tumors, with emphasis on glioblastoma. The fellow will develop biomaterial platforms for manufacturing and local delivery of engineered immune cells, including CAR T cells, and will perform comprehensive immune profiling and preclinical evaluation.

The role requires a PhD in Biomedical Engineering or related field, plus experience in

Qualifications

• PhD in biomedical engineering or related field.
• Experience in biomaterials fabrication and characterization.
• Experience with culture and genetic modification of primary human or murine immune cells (CAR T is a plus).

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate biomaterial platforms for manufacturing and local delivery of engineered immune cells.
• Conduct human and murine immune-cell culture, genetic modification, and in vitro functional assays.
• Perform preclinical evaluations in orthotopic tumor models and analyze tumor immunity using flow cytometry and cytokine assays.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to advance translational cancer immunotherapy research.

Education

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Job description

Posting Information

Department: SOP-DPMP - 452400

Posting Open Date: 08/13/2026

Application Deadline: 08/17/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Vacancy ID: PDS004942

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

Hours per week: 40

FTE: 1

Work Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $60,000.00

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

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School’s Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/oe/strategic-plan/).

Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world’s most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.

Position Summary

This postdoctoral fellow position will focus on biomaterials-enabled cellular immunotherapy for solid tumors, with an emphasis on glioblastoma. The fellow will develop and evaluate biomaterial platforms for the manufacture and local delivery of genetically engineered immune cells, including CAR T cells. Responsibilities will include human and murine immune-cell culture and engineering, in vitro functional characterization, and preclinical evaluation in orthotopic tumor models. The fellow will also analyze immune-cell phenotype, persistence, and antitumor activity using flow cytometry, cytokine assays, bioluminescence imaging, and tissue-based analyses.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

PhD in biomedical engineering or related field

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

The applicant must have experience in biomaterials fabrication and characterization and in the culture and genetic modification of primary human or murine immune cells. Experience with viral transduction, nonviral transfection, CAR T-cell functional assays, multicolor flow cytometry, and cytokine analysis is required. The applicant must also have experience conducting preclinical studies in murine tumor models, including tumor implantation, bioluminescence imaging, blood and tissue collection, and downstream analysis. Experience with orthotopic brain-tumor models, stereotaxic surgery, or intracranial tumor resection is highly desirable. The applicant must be able to design and execute experiments independently, maintain accurate and compliant research records, analyze and communicate scientific results, and work effectively within interdisciplinary research teams.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Special Instructions

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Jeanmarie Morganelli, Executive Assistant, Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics (DPMP)

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.