Postdoctoral Research Associate (CBMC) - Zhang Lab

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 58,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's CBMC Zhang Lab is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate to pursue interdisciplinary chemical biology and drug discovery research. The role focuses on lipid metabolism, membrane structures, biocondensates, and chemical probes in cell-based assays.

Responsibilities include developing platforms to study lipid interactions, conducting pharmacological investigations of probes and drugs, and creating novel modulators of lipid-metabolizing enzymes to

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Experience in lipid biochemistry and/or chemical biology.

Responsibilities

• Develop a platform to investigate the interactions of lipid metabolism, membrane structures, and biocondensates.
• Pharmacological investigation of chemical probes and drugs in cell-based assays.
• Develop new chemical modulators of lipid metabolizing enzymes as chemical probes and leads for drug discovery.

Skills

Lipid biochemistry

Chemical biology

Education

PhD in Chemistry or Biochemistry

Job description

Department:

SOP-CBMC - 452100

Posting Open Date:

11/06/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Position Type:

Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate (CBMC) - Zhang Lab

Vacancy ID:

PDS005020

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:

$58,000 - $65,000

Proposed Start Date:

02/01/2027

Estimated Duration of Appointment:

12 Months

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:

The Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry (CBMC) in the Zhang Lab is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate for Interdisciplinary research focused on contemporary chemical biology and drug discovery. The primary responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Research Associate include:

• Develop a platform to investigate the interactions of lipid metabolism, membrane structures, and biocondensates.
• Pharmacological investigation of chemical probes and drugs in cell-based assays.
• Develop new chemical modulators of lipid metabolizing enzymes as chemical probes and leads for drug discovery.

This position will research the emerging system that offers opportunities to discover new guiding principles for membrane signaling and develop novel options for drug discovery. This position will support the project that will use unique chemical tools developed in the lab to dissect the interactions of lipid metabolism, membrane structures, and biocondensates and to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic options for diseases.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

A PhD degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

Experience in lipid biochemistry and/or chemical biology.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

N/A

Special Physical/Mental Requirements :

N/A

Special Instructions:

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here