Post-Doc Research Associate - SPIRE

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 primary purpose of the Psychology and Neuroscience Department is to provide excellent education, research and service in the field. This goal breaks down into four important components: 1) to teach psychology and neuroscience to undergraduates in a manner that will introduce them vigorously to its broad scope; 2) to offer scientific and professional training to graduate students in the areas of behavioral and integrative neuroscience, clinical, cognitive, developmental, quantitative, and social psychology; 3) to carry out cutting-edge research in these areas, and 4) to provide consulting and administrative support services to the science and profession of psychology as well as to the university, the community, the state, and the nation.

The Department consists of six programs: behavioral and integrative neuroscience; clinical psychology; cognitive psychology; developmental psychology; quantitative psychology, and social psychology. Each program is designed to acquaint the student thoroughly with the theoretical and research content of the specialty and to provide training in the research skills needed to become a competent and creative investigator. In addition, the programs focus on the development of appropriate professional skills.

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience ranks 2nd in the College in grant funding with over $12 million annually in grant expenditures and approximately $20 million annually in expenditures from all funds. The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience has the largest undergraduate major in the College of Arts and Sciences with approximately 1500 majors, and one of the largest graduate Ph.D. programs with approximately 120 graduate students. The Department is also home to four community clinics which generate fee revenue (Adult Clinic, Anxiety Clinic, Child and Family Clinic, Couples Clinic), known collectively as the UNC Psychology and Neuroscience Community Clinic (the Clinic).

The SPIRE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is a training experience where primary research is conducted at UNC Chapel Hill and teaching responsibilities are carried out at partner minority-serving institutions. The postdoctoral scholar will provide contributions to research progress in a laboratory research environment selected across a range of areas aligned with the National Institute of General Medical Sciences ( NIGMS) research priorities. Opportunities to tailor the experience to meet individual training needs and professional goals include participation in formal teaching, professional development workshops, and the development of specific research, teaching, and other career related competencies. SPIRE training includes a pedagogical workshop series, IDPs and annual evaluations, and regular participation in training seminars. The SPIRE Postdoctoral Scholar will perform original, independent research in the lab setting of their choice at UNC-Chapel Hill; work closely with Principal Investigators who provide guidance and mentoring on research projects; publish in peer-reviewed journals, presenting research findings at national and international conferences and participating in journal clubs and laboratory meetings; teach courses at one of four of the program's partner universities; and engage in professional development that leads to academic careers.
The Seeding Postdoctoral Innovators in Research & Education ( SPIRE) Program is administratively housed in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNC Chapel Hill. SPIRE's mission is to provide multi-dimensional professional development for science researchers and educators to succeed in academic careers, to bring engaging teaching methods into the classroom, and to promote inclusion in science professions. The four major components of the SPIRE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program include research, teaching, professional development, and additional opportunities over a three-year period. The SPIRE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program was one of the first grantees to receive funding in 1999 from the special Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award ( IRACDA) program, which is now part of the division of Training, Workforce Development, & Diversity under the National Institute of General Medical Sciences ( NIGMS). The primary goals of SPIRE are: 1) To provide scholars with both high-quality research training and the opportunity to develop research-based teaching skills that will inspire students across the sciences. 2) To promote effective teaching and research partnerships between research intensive institutions and partner institutions with a large population of underrepresented students by investing in tomorrow's
science scholars and educators and providing them with a holistic approach to postgraduate professional development. SPIRE strives to blend an outstanding research environment with broad professional development activities and hands-on classroom experiences for those scientists who want to combine research with undergraduate and graduate education.

Candidates must have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. or MD from anaccredited program before entering SPIRE.

Preference will be given to candidates who have a background in biological and biomedical sciences that align with NIGMS research priorities, interest in teaching, and values inclusivity. Candidates must have completed all degree requirements before starting the program and have no more than 2 years of current postdoctoral experience as of September 2025

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We ask that applicants upload a cover letter and CV. See website http://spire.unc.edu/apply/ for eligibility and instructions on content required in cover letter. Three letters of reference (in PDF format) should be emailed directly to Dr. Rybarczyk: brybar@unc.edu

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 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 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.