University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Post-Doc Research Associate - Dr. Sam Lai's lab
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Elkins Hills, North Carolina, United States
Posting Information
Department: SOP-DPMP - 452400
Open Date: 01/12/2026
Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title: Post-Doc Research Associate - Dr. Sam Lai's lab
Vacancy ID: PDS004748
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week: 40
FTE: 1
Work Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location: North Carolina, US
Position Information University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service. It is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities and is among the top ten research universities in federal research expenditures.
At UNC Chapel Hill, postdoctoral scholars play a vital role in our research enterprise and contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. Postdocs provide innovative ideas, foster a stimulating research environment, and advance knowledge within their fields. They are crucial members of our scientific workforce and contributors to our research outputs.
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 is regularly ranked as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States.
Primary Purpose of the Unit The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is one of six health science schools at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students and was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report. The School’s vision is to be a global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, and its mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world’s most pressing health care challenges. The School focuses on advancing medicine for life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.
Position Summary Multiple Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are available in the Lai Lab at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. We seek intellectually curious and highly motivated candidates with a strong record of scientific productivity and innovation. Ideal applicants will have expertise in virology, molecular biology, gene delivery, immune cell therapy, computational modeling, immunology, bioengineering, or closely related disciplines.
The primary focus is to advance in vivo engineering of immune cells for cancer, auto‑immune, and/or infectious disease applications, aiming to develop safe, highly efficacious therapies with reduced cost profiles. We welcome applications from top scholars who can contribute unique expertise. The research area is expected to evolve over time, and successful candidates should have received training in top labs, multiple first‑author publications, and at least 3 years of training in North America or Europe.
The lab has a strong track record of translating innovations at the interface of immunology and engineering into clinical applications, with numerous inventions currently in active clinical or preclinical development.
Beyond leading their immediate research area, postdoctoral researchers are expected to mentor and oversee graduate students, undergraduate students, and/or research staff. The position also involves collaboration with relevant research partners, including industry collaborators.
Application Instructions: In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in this field of research and why you would be a good fit for the Lai Lab.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Ph.D.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Previous training in top labs in virology, molecular biology, gene delivery, immune cell therapy, computational modeling, immunology, bioengineering, or related disciplines. At least 3 years of research experience (graduate training acceptable) in North America or Europe.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Experience with viral gene delivery, CAR‑T therapies, computational protein modeling and design, directed evolution (yeast display, phage display) is preferred.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements None.
Special Instructions For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services, click here.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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, sexual orientation, protected veterans or individuals with disabilities.
Posting Contact Information Department Contact Name and Title: Alekya Padmanabhuni, HR Business Partner Department Contact Email: alekya@email.unc.edu
Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information: If you experience any problems with the application system or have questions about the process, please contact the University’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or email opahr@unc.edu. Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
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Department: SOP-DPMP - 452400
Open Date: 01/12/2026
Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title: Post-Doc Research Associate - Dr. Sam Lai's lab
Vacancy ID: PDS004748
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week: 40
FTE: 1
Work Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location: North Carolina, US
Position Information University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service. It is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities and is among the top ten research universities in federal research expenditures.
At UNC Chapel Hill, postdoctoral scholars play a vital role in our research enterprise and contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. Postdocs provide innovative ideas, foster a stimulating research environment, and advance knowledge within their fields. They are crucial members of our scientific workforce and contributors to our research outputs.
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 is regularly ranked as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States.
Primary Purpose of the Unit The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is one of six health science schools at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students and was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report. The School’s vision is to be a global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, and its mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world’s most pressing health care challenges. The School focuses on advancing medicine for life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.
Position Summary Multiple Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are available in the Lai Lab at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. We seek intellectually curious and highly motivated candidates with a strong record of scientific productivity and innovation. Ideal applicants will have expertise in virology, molecular biology, gene delivery, immune cell therapy, computational modeling, immunology, bioengineering, or closely related disciplines.
The primary focus is to advance in vivo engineering of immune cells for cancer, auto‑immune, and/or infectious disease applications, aiming to develop safe, highly efficacious therapies with reduced cost profiles. We welcome applications from top scholars who can contribute unique expertise. The research area is expected to evolve over time, and successful candidates should have received training in top labs, multiple first‑author publications, and at least 3 years of training in North America or Europe.
The lab has a strong track record of translating innovations at the interface of immunology and engineering into clinical applications, with numerous inventions currently in active clinical or preclinical development.
Beyond leading their immediate research area, postdoctoral researchers are expected to mentor and oversee graduate students, undergraduate students, and/or research staff. The position also involves collaboration with relevant research partners, including industry collaborators.
Application Instructions: In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in this field of research and why you would be a good fit for the Lai Lab.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Ph.D.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Previous training in top labs in virology, molecular biology, gene delivery, immune cell therapy, computational modeling, immunology, bioengineering, or related disciplines. At least 3 years of research experience (graduate training acceptable) in North America or Europe.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Experience with viral gene delivery, CAR‑T therapies, computational protein modeling and design, directed evolution (yeast display, phage display) is preferred.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements None.
Special Instructions For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services, click here.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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, sexual orientation, protected veterans or individuals with disabilities.
Posting Contact Information Department Contact Name and Title: Alekya Padmanabhuni, HR Business Partner Department Contact Email: alekya@email.unc.edu
Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information: If you experience any problems with the application system or have questions about the process, please contact the University’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or email opahr@unc.edu. Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
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