Post-Doc Research Associate - Vaziri-Bowser labs

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About the role

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a collaborative, co-mentored research program between the laboratories of Dr. Cyrus Vaziri and Dr. Jessica Bowser. The successful candidate will investigate fundamental mechanisms of the DNA damage response (DDR), cell cycle regulation, and their implications for genome stability, cancer biology, and therapeutic response.

This position offers the unique benefit of dual academic mentorship, along with industry-relevant experience through collaborations with the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery (UNC) and the Metabolomics and Exposome Laboratory (UNC). These collaborations will provide the candidate with access to complementary expertise, resources, and scientific perspectives across multiple disciplines.

For recent related publications, see:

• Nat Commun. 2025 Aug 5;16(1):7214. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-62368-8. PMID: 40764480
• Cell Rep. 2025 Jan 28;44(1):115104. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.115104. Epub 2024 Dec 20. PMID: 39708320
• Nat Commun. 2024 Mar 4;15(1):1957. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-45979-5. PMID: 38438348

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to study mechanisms of genome maintenance, DNA damage response, and cell cycle regulation.
• Utilize state-of-the-art molecular biology, cell biology, genetic, and biochemical approaches, including cell culture, DNA cloning, mutagenesis, protein expression in mammalian and bacterial cells, gene editing, protein biochemistry, imaging, and flow cytometry.
• Analyze data using statistical software (e.g., GraphPad Prism) and generate high-resolution, publication-quality figures (e.g., using Adobe Illustrator).
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to a stimulating research environment.
• Manage multiple projects, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and adapt to new research directions and technologies.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations governing research.
• Maintain lab attendance from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional late evenings and weekend days to ensure continuity of experiments.
• Complete administrative tasks, such as online trainings and certificates required by UNC, and manage data outside of core lab hours.

Requirements

• PhD or MD in a biological science or related discipline.
• Experience in DNA damage and cell cycle research fields.

Qualifications

Knowledge

• Strong foundation in signal transduction, genome maintenance, DNA replication, cell cycle, and their impact on carcinogenesis and cancer therapy.
• Understanding of ethical guidelines, regulations, and policies governing research.
• Familiarity with processes for securing grants and publishing findings in scientific journals.

Skills

• Proficiency in molecular biology, cell biology, genetic, and biochemical techniques.
• Data analysis and statistical skills, including the use of software such as GraphPad Prism.
• Ability to generate high-resolution, publication-quality figures (e.g., using Adobe Illustrator).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting research to specialized and broad audiences.
• Project management, including the ability to multi-task, manage time, and resources effectively.
• Scientific writing for manuscripts and grant applications.
• Ability to learn new techniques quickly and troubleshoot experimental challenges.

Abilities

• Adaptability and resilience to new research directions, technologies, and work environments.
• Ability to work independently, formulate and test hypotheses, and drive research projects.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Collaboration and teamwork in interdisciplinary settings.
• Leadership and interpersonal skills to manage projects and facilitate teamwork.
• Professionalism, reliability, accountability, and honesty.
• Goal-oriented with a focus on achieving research milestones and deliverables.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and vision coverage.
• Paid leave.
• Benefits and services supporting professional development and work/life balance.

Schedule

• Full-time, temporary position with an estimated duration of 12 months.
• 40 hours per week, typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional late evenings and weekend days as needed.

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