Postdoctoral Trainee

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a NRSA postdoctoral research fellowship in the Genetic Epidemiology of Heart, Lung, and Blood Traits Program within the Department of Epidemiology.

The fellow will work with mentors to publish, present, and develop grant support, and will enhance their substantive and methodological skills in genetic epidemiology, contributing to UNC-Chapel Hill's research leadership.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD) in Epidemiology, Human Genetics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics or related field or MD/DDS/DVM with relevant training.
• US citizen or permanent resident is required due to funding restrictions.
• Commitment of at least 40 hours per week on research and training.

Responsibilities

• Work with mentors and colleagues to publish, present, and develop grant support.
• Develop substantive and methodological skills in genetic epidemiology.
• Contribute to the Genetic Epidemiology Program and associated research outputs.

Skills

Epidemiology

Genetic epidemiology

Biostatistics

Research

Education

PhD in Epidemiology or Human Genetics

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: Epidemiology - 463501
• Posting Open Date: 10/01/2026
• Open Until Filled: Yes
• Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar
• Position Title: Postdoctoral Trainee
• Vacancy ID: PDS004988
• 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: Dependent on Qualifications
• 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 Department of Epidemiology is one of the eight departments located in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The department’s primary focus is to the development and application of research methods to understand the patterns and causes of health and disease, and the application of that knowledge to improving the health of populations. We provide strong training in research methods and opportunities for the application of epidemiology to a wide range of health problems through our research. The achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have enabled us to become one of the leading academic departments of epidemiology in the world. At UNC -CH, Epidemiology is one of the largest and most complex departments on campus. For FY25, Epidemiology was 5th among all departments and centers across campus in research funding at UNC Chapel Hill. The department has 38 Tenured-Tenure Track / 8 Joint Tenure-Track Faculty, 16 Fixed Term / 4 Joint Fixed Term Faculty, 120 Adjuncts, 31 EHRA Non-Faculty, 18 Postdocs, 20SHRA, 29 Temps, and 234 Students (148 PhD, 74 MPH , AND 12 MSCR ) for whom Epidemiology pays 146 as RA/TA/Trainees/Fellows. Total departmental budget of $49 million (FY25).

Position Summary

A National Research Service Award ( NRSA ) postdoctoral research fellowship is available in the Genetic Epidemiology of Heart, Lung, and Blood Traits Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The position is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH .

The goals are to support the training, career development, and professional growth of the post-doctoral fellow by fostering skills and knowledge in Genetic Epidemiology of Heart, Lung, and Blood Traits ( GENHLB ). The post-doctoral fellow will participate with mentors, other faculty, and peers in the Genetic Epidemiology Program in authoring publications, making presentations at scientific and/or professional meetings, and developing grant support. Responsibilities of the post-doctoral fellow are to work towards enhancing their substantive and methodological skills in genetic epidemiology and related disciplines.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

A doctoral degree (PhD) in Epidemiology, Human Genetics, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics or related field or a MD, DDS , or DVM degree combined with training in human genetics or epidemiology at the PhD or Master’s levels (or equivalent) is/are required.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Due to Federally-mandated funding restrictions, the post-doctoral trainee MUST be a US citizen or permanent resident.

A curriculum vitae reflecting scientific productivity in epidemiology, human genetics, heart, lung, and/or blood phenotypes and/or biomedical sciences is required.

Participation in this program requires a commitment of at least 40 hours per week on research and training, without supplemental compensation from the NRSA award. Trainees may be able to work a limited number of hours in addition to the 40-hour commitment, if explicitly approved by the Program Director based on its contribution to the fellow’s training and professional development.

Posting Contact Information

• Department Contact Name and Title: Christy Avery, Professor
• 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.