Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of North Carolina, United States

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 10 Jun 2022

Posting Information
Posting Details


Department Ophthalmology - 413201
Posting Open Date 05/10/2022
Application Deadline 06/10/2022
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title Postdoctoral Research Associate
Vacancy ID PDS003466
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
Proposed Start Date 07/01/2022
Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months

Position Information


Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) seeks to expand the scale and scope of its impact on society by translating discovery into solutions through invention, innovation, and enterprise. To accomplish these goals, the university will develop and mobilize new teams of researchers, designers, experts, and entrepreneurs and provide the support and infrastructure needed to help these teams succeed. UNC seeks to foster a comprehensive innovation ecosystem that embraces the whole institution and its external partners, and that provides information, services, and resources to faculty entrepreneurs in a systematic way along the arc of discovery-invention to technology-transition.
Position Summary
The UNC Institute for Convergent Science (ICS) is pleased to announce the launch of the Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in which fellows will work with teams of researchers and innovators to transition their research to applied goals. ICS Innovation Fellows will bridge the scientific/technical elements of an ICS project with team science and commercialization support activities. 
This ICS Innovation Fellowship position will focus on understanding and developing potential adeno-associated virus-based gene therapy approaches for the treatment of a rare form of ocular tumors known as uveal melanoma. The fellow will be co-advised by the PIs Jacquelyn Bower and Matthew Hirsch in the Department of Ophthalmology, Carolina Eye Research Institute, Lineberger Cancer Center, and Gene Therapy Center. 
The Innovation Postdoctoral Fellow will devote ~70% effort to the scientific and technical elements of the project and ~30% to entrepreneurial elements, including market research, patent landscaping, and other entrepreneurship training. This fellowship offers unique training in translational science while also developing commercialization skills. Fellows are also encouraged to participate in existing experiential training programs including UNC Venture Catalyst Program and I-Corps program. Fellows will have access to UNC CareerWell courses (including Market Research, Team Collaboration, Technology Commercialization Fundamentals, Applied Project Management) offered by The Graduate School. The fellow will be invited to participate in KickStart events and workshops.
The Bower and Hirsch labs study ocular applications for AAV-based therapeutics. The Bower lab focuses on identifying ocular disease pathways that can be genetically targeted and are suitable for a gene therapy-based approach. The Hirsch lab focuses on the development of AAV-based vectors for ocular gene therapy applications. Together, the labs aim to discover novel mechanisms that can be therapeutically exploited for the treatment of ocular disease. The PIs, an advisory team, and the fellow will establish a translational therapeutics discovery program to target unmet needs in ophthalmological oncology.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, or a related discipline.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Competitive applicants will have animal handling experience (preferably in rodent models of cancer) and a strong technological background in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Prior experience on a high-performing research team. 
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/229733

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title Gina Austen, HR Consultant
Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected]
Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information

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 [email protected].

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

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