Postdoctoral Research Associate (CBMC) - Zhang Lab

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

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Zhang Lab within CBMC. The role focuses on interdisciplinary chemical biology and lipid metabolism, contributing to drug discovery efforts and membrane biology research.

The successful candidate will work on developing platforms, perform cell-based pharmacology studies, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

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

Posting Information

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

Position Information

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

Posting Contact Information

Kenesha Bigelow, HR Business Partner
[e-mail]

Postdoctoral Affairs: 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.