Postdoctoral Fellow in Grant Operations Management and Creative Engagement

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 Arts & Humanities Grant Studio ( AHGS) is an engagement and support initiative in the Fine Arts and Humanities of the College of Arts and Sciences at UNC Chapel Hill. Guided by a director and facilitated by a team of postdoctoral fellows, the AHGS reinforces the work of the university's leading faculty, staff, and student humanists, assisting with the workload of and cultivating growth for grant-funded projects. What distinguishes the initiative is an integrative approach, one that seeks a culture shift in project-based work on campus that centers relationship building and dynamic collaboration.

This posting is for two (2) postdoctoral positions. By applying, applicants will be considered for both vacancies.

The Postdoctoral Fellow in Grant Operations Management and Creative Engagement will provide essential leadership in supporting grant funded efforts and related activities in the Fine Arts and Humanities at UNC-Chapel Hill. The person in this position will execute and develop workflows to support existing humanistic project-based grant work, easing bottlenecks and increasing energy for follow-on grant applications. Responsibilities will include both administrative and relationship aspects of project management. Fellows will be integral in building collaborative networks across campus and community partners that will enhance knowledge of (and participation in) grant activities. Arts & Humanities Grant Studio Postdoctoral Fellows will also identify and curate stories that make evident the impact of humanities grant based work for public audiences, campus leadership, and grant funders.

These postdoctoral positions offer project management learning opportunities for recent PhD recipients who want to interpret the meaning and importance of engaged humanities to university and public audiences and who want to work with university partners beyond individually authored research. This position will involve significant independent work but will be managed by the AHGS Grants Development Manager and supported by the Director.

Candidates for this position should have completed a PhD in a field within the Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, or Communications during the past five years, with a preference for someone with experience in community engagement and/or familiarity with common media practices.

Candidates should have excellent writing and oral communication skills. They must have a deep commitment to interpreting the value of academic work to both institutional and public audiences and the confidence to engage with diverse communities as they build long-term partnerships.

Preference for someone with experience in community engagement and/or familiarity with common media practices.

This is a two-year Postdoc position, beginning August 18, 2025. Applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, List of References and a Writing/Research Sample. In addition, applicants are encouraged to submit a statement, uploaded as "other document," which explains why this position fits their personal and professional goals.

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 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.