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.

The Department of Environment of Environmental Sciences and Engineering ( ESE) focuses on the interface between people and the environment with interdisciplinary programs in air quality, atmospheric processes, human exposure and health effects, and sustainable water resources, drawn from faculty expertise In the physical and life sciences engineering and policy. The Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering ( ESE) is an academic and research department located in the Gillings School of Global Public Health and has 24 faculty, 29 joint and adjunct faculty, 14 administrative staff members, and 7 research staff members. It has about 120 graduate students. The mission of the Gillings School of Global Public Health is to improve public health, promote individual well-being, and eliminate health disparities across North Carolina and around the world.

The Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering in the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is recruiting an exceptional candidate for a postdoctoral research fellowship in environmental sciences and engineering. The fellow will join an exciting group of interdisciplinary researchers working on water, sanitation, and global environmental health. The fellow's primary role will be to support the urban sanitation project that focuses on understanding pathogen hazards associated with sanitation infrastructure and practices.

Roles & Responsibilities Include:

Working with PI (Dr. Musa Manga), the postdoc will lead the development of sampling and analysis plans for the measurement of enteric pathogens in environmental media; organize and oversee fieldwork activities involving collection of environmental and faecal sludge samples, on-site in Lusaka, Zambia and Kampala, Uganda; liaise with project partners and the community; develop and optimize microbiology and molecular methods for the detection, quantification, and characterization of pathogens and/or microbial in collected samples; perform DNA/ RNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, and other molecular techniques for pathogen and/or microbial identification and analysis; technical modelling and analysis of pathogen and field data, and integrate findings into broader research objectives; provide mentorship and training of graduate and undergraduate research assistants; and maintain active communication with project stakeholders; and collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to interpret results, contribute to publications, and present findings at scientific meetings and stakeholder meetings.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead peer-reviewed publications (at least Two publications as first author and One publication as contributing author) and contribute to grant proposals.

The post-doctoral fellow will have received a PhD, DrPH, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree with experience in environmental health microbiology, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, environmental microbiology, epidemiology, public health, or related fields.

The successful candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills and a record of publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals. Strong proficiency in microbiology laboratory techniques and outstanding communication skills are essential for this position.

Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to work independently, and interested in working on interdisciplinary team science.

Preferred qualifications, competencies and experience include:

Sampling; PCR, culture, and sequencing-based analysis of environmental samples; data analysis; modelling; community-based work; and academic writing.

Valuable background and skills include experience with environmental health microbiology.

Must possess the skills and flexibility for potential travel and working at overseas sites. Must possess flexibility, mobility, and strength to store and access research materials. Needs to have the physical ability to perform many varied tasks; i.e. a high level of concentration to do challenging techniques.

Duration of Appointment: 12 Months With Potential of Extension/Contract Renewal

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Equal Employment Opportunity office at (919) 966-3576 or send an email to equalopportunity@unc.edu.

Please note: The Equal Employment Opportunity office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.