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University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Postdoctoral Research Associate Dr. Counago Lab

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Elkins Hills, North Carolina, United States

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About the University University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is a global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service. It consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and among the top ten research universities for federal research expenditures, including federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development. UNC’s postdoctoral scholars play a vital role in the university’s research enterprise, contributing innovative ideas, fostering a stimulating research environment, and advancing knowledge within their fields.

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.

Position Summary The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) at UNC-Chapel Hill is seeking a highly motivated researcher to join the NIH‑funded Emory‑Sage‑SGC‑Jax TREAT‑AD Center. This multi‑institutional initiative accelerates discovery of new therapeutic targets and strategies for Alzheimer’s disease by generating and disseminating high‑quality research tools and data. As a member of the Center’s Structural Biology Core, this position will contribute to the development of Target Enabling Packages (TEPs) – comprehensive toolkits that include purified proteins, structural data, and biochemical assays to support the broader research community in exploring novel drug targets.

Key Responsibilities

Protein Expression and Purification: Design and execute recombinant protein production workflows in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems.

Biochemical and Biophysical Characterization: Develop and perform assays to identify and characterize protein‑ligand interactions, including binding affinity, selectivity, and mechanism‑of‑action studies.

Structural Biology: Determine protein structures using X‑ray crystallography and cryo‑electron microscopy (cryo‑EM) to support target validation and ligand discovery.

Data Management and Reporting: Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, results, and analyses; communicate findings regularly with the project team and contribute to collaborative research efforts within the TREAT‑AD network.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of chemical biology, neuroscience, and structural biology, contributing to a national effort to uncover new therapeutic avenues for Alzheimer’s disease.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements PhD in Biological Sciences or Chemical Biology or related field.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology, including high‑throughput cloning and recombinant protein production using both bacterial and eukaryotic expression systems, such as baculovirus‑infected insect cells.

Skilled in the use of protein purification equipment, including high‑speed centrifuges and fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) systems.

Expertise in developing and executing biochemical assays, with hands‑on experience in techniques such as fluorescence polarization, time‑resolved FRET (TR‑FRET), FRET, and BRET.

Proficiency in biophysical assay platforms, including isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), to characterize protein‑ligand interactions.

Contribute to the design, execution, and analysis of DEL‑based ligand discovery campaigns, supporting the identification of novel chemical matter for challenging protein targets.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Experience with DNA‑encoded library (DEL) screening is highly desirable.

Special Instructions Apply online at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/303083 with a cover letter, CV/resume, and a list of at least three (3) professional references with their full contact information.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here.

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.

Posting Contact Information Department Contact: Mac Balatico, HR Business Partner (mac.t.balatico@unc.edu)

Postdoctoral Affairs Contact: (919) 962‑9982 or opahr@unc.edu. Note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

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