Postdoctoral Scholar

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.

As the largest unit on campus, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the Carolina experience. The College consists of 43 academic departments and curricula and numerous programs, centers and institutes. It is home to more than 18,000 undergraduate students, including all of the University's first-year and second-year students. About 2,300 graduate students study and teach in the College.

Endorsed by the Board of Trustees on January 30, 2020, Carolina Next: Innovations for the Public Good, the strategic plan for the University includes Initiative 5, 'Promote Democracy.' Objective 5.2 is to 'work constructively across differences in society, starting by promoting respect and listening.' Here several strategic opportunities are listed to support the goal of 'build[ing] the capacity to engage constructively across differences with evidence, intellectual humility, and respect' - including to 'develop the Communication Beyond Carolina capacity requirements in the IDEAs in Action General education Curriculum' and 'conceptualize and develop the UNC Program for Public Discourse, emphasizing respectful dialogue in classes and public events.' Objective 5.3 calls for exploration of the relationship between 'humanity's highest purposes' and democratic life.

In 2019, UNC-CH formed the Program for Public Discourse ( PPD), recognizing that the complex nature of the pressing issues of our day require reasoned debate rooted in a strong foundation of basic knowledge and a spirit of open intellectual inquiry. In 2023, to fulfill the 'democratic competencies' goals of Carolina Next (5.2-3) and in light of increased pressures and challenges facing our democracy, the Board of Trustees identified the need for degree-oriented programs in the area of Civic Life and Leadership and resolved that the campus accelerate development of a School of Civic Life and Leadership. Subsequently an ad hoc faculty committee refined plans for an interdisciplinary, degree-granting unit within the College of Arts and Sciences. In September 2023, SCiLL was established by the Provost and an act of the North Carolina General Assembly. In October 2023, the inaugural faculty, representing Communication, English and Comparative Literature, History, Music, Philosophy, Physics and Astronomy, Political Science, and Psychology and Neuroscience Departments within the College, was appointed, and an interim Director and Dean named.

Under the supervision of faculty in the School of Civic Life and Leadership (SCiLL), the Postdoc will undertake independent research on the history of science and medicine as it relates to subjects like bioethics, civic life, virtue theory, public trust in medicine, and suffering. This research is expected to lead to a publishing a book and other peer-reviewed publications. The Postdoc will also support the programming and work of SCiLL's new Initiative on Health and Civic Life under the direction of its director. The postdoc will contribute to SCiLL's student- and public-facing programming as appropriate.

Applicants must have a Ph.D, MD, or DPhil in a relevant field.

Applicants must have a Ph.D, MD, or DPhil in a relevant field.

Applicants must have a Ph.D, MD, or DPhil in a relevant field.

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.