Post-Doc Research Associate-Bhatt Lab

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 UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing 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. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be the nation's leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.
OUR MISSION
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 will 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 will prepare tomorrow's health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.
Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.

The Bhatt Lab at UNC Chapel Hill is seeking motivated, talented and creative scientists with demonstrable bioanalytical expertise to join our team. In our lab, we are advancing precision medicine by studying the gut microbiome which contributes to interindividual variability in drug responses, including efficacy and toxicity. By studying bacterial drug metabolism, we will develop strategies to predict and prevent drug-induced injury and reduce medication side effects, thus promoting public health. The candidate will have a strong background in bioanalytical techniques and method development using a variety of platforms including but not limited to LC-MS/MS, HPLC, etc. The central role for the candidate is in developing assays to quantify metabolites of drug metabolism generated by gut microbes and the host using tandem LC-MS/MS methodology.
The candidate will also provide support for method development to the UNC Dept. Of Mass Spectrometry Core laboratory, directed by Dr. Brandie Ehrmann.

PhD in Chemistry, Pharmacology, Analytical Chemistry and/or related field of study with relevant publications in the field.

Required Competencies: The Research Scientist will design and perform experiments, analyze and interpret data, and disseminate research findings through written manuscripts, grant applications, and oral presentations. This role includes a significant focus on quantitative mass spectrometry, requiring expertise in handling and analyzing complex datasets. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mass spectrometry and wet lab techniques, along with experience in mentoring and training undergraduate students.

Key Responsibilities:
- Experimental Design & Execution: Design and conduct experiments with a focus on quantitative mass spectrometry. Perform sample extraction and preparation from biological matrices.
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: Analyze and interpret complex data sets, including quantitative mass spectrometry data. Utilize modern mass spectrometry equipment and software.
- Research Dissemination: Prepare and present research findings through written manuscripts, grant proposals, and oral presentations at lab meetings, local, national, and international conferences.
- Mentorship: Work effectively with undergraduate students, providing training and guidance in laboratory techniques and data analysis.
- Equipment Management: Troubleshoot and maintain mass spectrometry and chromatography equipment. Ensure the proper functioning of laboratory instruments.
- Independent Problem Solving: Address and resolve experimental challenges independently. Relate experimental outcomes to the broader research context.
- Protocol Development: Read and interpret published manuscripts and experimental protocols, adapting methods for laboratory use.

Qualifications:
- Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Pharmacology, Analytical Chemistry, and/or a related field, with recent experience in a research laboratory.
- Mass Spectrometry Expertise: Knowledge of modern mass spectrometer equipment and software from various vendors. Recent hands-on experience with mass spectrometry.
- Wet Lab Experience: Proficiency in pipetting, sample extraction, and sample preparation from biological matrices.
- Data Handling: Experience working with large datasets, particularly those derived from mass spectrometry-based analyses.
- Independence & Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to work independently and solve complex experimental problems.
- Communication Skills: Ability to present research findings clearly and effectively in both written and oral formats. Experience with manuscript preparation and grant writing.
- Training & Mentorship: Proven ability to train and work constructively with diverse individuals, including laboratory personnel.
- Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional long hours as research demands.

Required Experience: prior wet lab experience in pipetting, sample extraction, and sample preparation from biological matrices techniques preferred.

Designing and performing experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, disseminating research through written (manuscripts, grant applications, poster presentations) and oral presentations at lab meetings, local/national/international conferences. Should be able to work with undergraduate students.

Preferred Experience: prior wet lab experience required. Previous experience working in drug metabolism, intestinal biology/physiology, epithelial biology/physiology, or stem cell biology/physiology. Prior experience operating mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography instrumentation. Quantitative mass spectrometry experience utilizing tandem mass spectrometers is a significant bonus.

-Must be able to complete repetitive tasks
-May require nights/weekends/after-hours work based on sample/experimental needs
-Must be able to work in a collaborative environment

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.