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.

The Division of Physical Therapy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a dynamic and interdisciplinary research team led by Dr. Louise Thoma. Our research program focuses on optimizing rehabilitation, exercise, and lifestyle interventions to preserve function and delay disability in adults with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and collaborative early-career investigator to engage in research that integrates clinical, behavioral, and real-world data to improve care delivery and health outcomes. The postdoctoral associate will play a key role in new and ongoing projects and will be encouraged to develop independent research interests aligned with the goals of the lab.

Primary Responsibilities:
Lead and contribute to research studies examining rehabilitation and exercise-based interventions in rheumatic diseases.
Analyze and interpret quantitative and/or qualitative data from clinical trials, cohort studies, and real-world data sources (e.g., electronic health records, wearable technologies).
Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and conference presentations.
Assist with development and implementation of new protocols and study designs, including stakeholder-engaged methods.
Mentor graduate and undergraduate research trainees.
Collaborate with clinical partners, biostatisticians, and other research team members.
Participate in relevant professional development activities to advance career goals.

PhD in Health, Rehabilitation, or Exercise Science or related field

Strong interest in rheumatology, rehabilitation, health behavior, and/or health services research. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Experience with clinical research, including data management, grant writing and statistical analysis.

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.