Post-Doc Research Associate

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.

Launched in 2013, the Department of Applied Physical Sciences ( APS) is the first new science department in the College of Arts and Sciences in nearly 40 years. APS lives in the collaborative space between science and engineering, combining knowledge and discovery with an engineering mindset, team-based science, and entrepreneurship to address real-world problems. Organized around 'Ideas to Impacts,' the department unites with campus themes in health, water and energy to help Carolina continue to be a leader in science innovation and the application of knowledge. APS has united numerous scientific entities on campus to further its mission of finding interdisciplinary solutions to real-world problems. Its newest endeavor, BeAM (Be A Maker), is a university-wide initiative that incorporates Making into research, education, and entrepreneurship. BeAM is comprised of several spaces, including a makerspace in Hanes Art Center, Carmichael Residence Hall, and a 3,400 square foot Makerspace in Murray Hall, all of which serve the entire UNC community.

This Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead engineering work in the Bai lab's translational research program on wearable optical sensing. A central effort is a multispectral pulse oximetry technology that measures blood oxygen saturation accurately across the full range of skin tones. The goal is to advance it from a laboratory prototype toward a clinically validated, manufacturable device. The postdoc will: Design, build, calibrate, and maintain wearable multi-wavelength optical sensors, including the optical front end, embedded electronics, and firmware. Develop and validate signal-processing and machine-learning algorithms that account for skin pigmentation, low perfusion, and motion. Work with UNC clinical collaborators on IRB-approved human-subjects validation studies, including device deployment, data quality control, and statistical analysis. Collaborate with industry partners on design for manufacture, design documentation, and regulatory strategy. Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and invention disclosures, contribute to grant proposals, and mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers. The position offers direct experience with the full path from academic research to medical device translation.

Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics, materials science, computer science, or a closely related field, completed by the start date of the appointment.

Hands-on experience designing, building, and characterizing optical or optoelectronic sensing systems (for example photoplethysmography, pulse oximetry, tissue spectroscopy, or wearable sensors). Proficiency in physiological or sensor signal processing and statistical or machine-learning modeling in Python or MATLAB. A record of first-author, peer-reviewed publications in a relevant field. Strong written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate with clinicians, engineers, and external partners.

Experience with embedded electronics, firmware, PCB design, or low-power wireless systems. Experience collecting and analyzing data from human-subjects or preclinical studies, including work in clinical settings under IRB and HIPAA requirements. Familiarity with pulse oximeter accuracy testing ( ISO 80601-2-61 and FDA guidance) and objective skin-tone measurement. Experience with medical device development under design controls and risk management ( ISO 13485, ISO 14971, IEC 60601). Background in tissue or skin optics. Exposure to technology commercialization (for example NSF I-Corps or invention disclosures). Experience mentoring students.

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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 (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

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.