Research Assistant Professor, Chapel Hill

Posting Information

Posting Information Department Microbiology and Immunology - 422501

Posting Open Date 04/30/2026

Application Deadline

Open Until Filled Yes

Position Type Permanent Faculty

Working Title Research Assistant Professor

Appointment Type Fixed Term Faculty

Vacancy ID FAC0005906

Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week 40

FTE 1

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range Dependent on experience and/or qualifications

Proposed Start Date 07/01/2026

Position Information Be a Tar Heel! 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 . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of

professional training opportunities

for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy

exclusive perks

for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a

comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit 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.

Position Summary The Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the UNC - Chapel Hill School of Medicine is recruiting a Research Assistant Professor on the fixed-term track. The successful candidate will participate in research and training activities in the Moorman Laboratory. Duties include, but are not limited to, conducting fundamental research investigating molecular mechanisms by which viral ilgands or RNA modifications control the virulence of Togaviridae, especially with regard to viral RNA decay and innate immune activation. The successful candidate will be expected to design and implement molecular biological research, to supervise graduate students and technicians, to analyze and interpret data, to draw conclusions based on the data, to prepare manuscripts, and to prepare grant proposals. The successful candidate will also present their research findings at conferences and meetings. Secondary responsibilities include contributing to routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology or related discipline and post-doctoral experience conducting genetic, molecular biological, and biochemical experiments with viruses and innate immune mechanisms. Experience conducting viral infection studies with tissue culture cells is essential, as is experience writing manuscripts and grant proposals.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience The successful candidate will have at least five years post-doctoral experience conducting research on molecular mechanisms by which viral ligands or RNA modifications control innate immune activation, preferably including picornavirus or togavirus systems. Proficient conducting molecular biological and molecular genetic experiments (molecular cloning, PCR, allelic exchange, gene expression and protein profile analyses). The candidate is able to analyze and interpret data, to design experiments, to draw conclusions from the data, and to prepare manuscripts for publication. The candidate having experience writing grant proposals. The candidate also be capable of supervising graduate students, post-docs, and technicians. Teaching experience is desirable.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable. Special Instructions

Quick Link Contact Information Department Contact Name and Title Peyton Dabbs, HR Consultant

Department Contact Telephone or Email

Academic Personnel Office Contact Information If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to .

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor&Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 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.