Post-Doc Research Associate

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.

Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.

Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education: We prepare tomorrow`s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.

Full-time post-doctoral position at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. We are looking for candidates interested in developing expertise in tobacco control policy research and systems science. The position is part of the UNC NIH/ FDA-funded Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science ( TCORS). The broad theme of the UNC TCORS is building the science for effective FDA public health decision-making about tobacco products.

The specific project the postdoc will work on uses microsimulation modeling to estimate the public health impact of a ban on flavored cigars in different plausible post-ban scenarios in the US population. A key goal of this project is to understand how contextual factors, such as retailer compliance or policy enforcement, may impact ban effectiveness.

This mixed-methods project includes use of nationally representative surveys, literature reviews, causal loop diagramming, an expert elicitation process, and simulation modeling. The postdoc will take part in study design, implementation, data analysis, and interpretation and publication of study findings. The postdoc will also develop their own research questions regarding tobacco regulatory science and will receive multidisciplinary training and mentorship from senior researchers with expertise in tobacco control and systems science. Prior experience with decision science, tobacco control or simulation modeling is preferred, but not required.

Along with other tobacco control trainees at UNC, postdocs will be able to participate in career development webinars. In addition, travel funds will be available to present research.

Initial appointment is for one year with additional one-year appointments for up to a total of two years. The preferred start date of the position is January 2026.

Doctoral degree in statistics, industrial and systems engineering, electronic engineering, computer science, or related field.

Doctoral degree in statistics, industrial and systems engineering, electronic engineering, computer science, or related field.

Excellent written and verbal communication. Experience with writing and publishing scientific research papers. Experience with qualitative methods or quantitative research methods, including statistical analyses and stakeholder engagement. Experience with systems science methods such as simulation modeling is preferred.

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.