Post-Doc Trainee-CIDD

Join to apply for the Post-Doc Trainee-CIDD role at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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 the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures. Carolina postdoctoral fellows play a vital role in our research enterprise and commitment to research excellence.

Position Overview

• Department:
  Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD)
• Job Title:
  
  Post-Doc Trainee-CIDD
• Vacancy
• Position Type:
  Postdoctoral Scholar (Full‑time Temporary)
• Hours per week: 40
• Work Location:
  
  Chapel Hill, NC
• Proposed
  
  Start Date:
  
  July 01 2026
• Estimated Duration: 12 months (potential renewal for a second year)
• Posting Open Date: 12/09/2025
• Position Location:
  
  North Carolina, US
• Full‑time/Part‑time:
  Full‑time Temporary

Program Mission and Goals

The Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (UNC‑CIDD) seeks fellows for its Postdoctoral Research Training Program in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and co‑directed by Ben Philpot and Mark Shen, this program emphasizes training in both the biological basis and clinical manifestations of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). The program has trained over 65 postdoctoral fellows to date, many of whom have subsequently obtained NIH K‑awards, Simons Foundation, Burroughs Wellcome, or other prestigious junior faculty awards and started independent labs at R1 universities.

Training

Experience

• Integrated training in biological and behavioral research in NDDs (autism, fragile X syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Dup
  15q syndrome, Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, Pitt‑Hopkins syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, schizophrenia, ADHD, language disability).
• Study of both clinical and basic sciences (neuroscience, neurology, genetics, cell biology and physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, allied health sciences, developmental psychology, psychiatry).
• Mentored research training in specific methods, NDDs, and underlying pathogenic mechanisms.
• Courses, seminars, and lectures that integrate clinical NDDs, developmental processes, disease mechanisms, and research methods.
• Clinical experiences to complement translational research opportunities.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Postdoctoral trainees must have received, by the start of the T32 appointment, a Ph.D., M.D., or comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution. Documentation by an authorized official of the degree‑granting institution is acceptable. Eligible doctoral degrees include but are not limited to: D.D.S., D.M.D., D.C., D.O., D.V.M., O.D., D.P.M., Sc.D., Eng.

D., Dr. P.H., D.N.Sc., D.P.T., Pharm.

D., N.D., D.S.W., Psy.

D.

Required Qualifications , Competencies, and Experience

• Trained on a full‑time basis, devoting at least 40 hours per week to the program.
• For trainees in clinical fields, hours must focus on the proposed research training, and clinical duties must contribute directly to research training outcomes (e.g., peer‑reviewed publications).
• Eligibility for NIH NRSA/T32 funding: citizen of the U.S., U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Temporary or student visas are not eligible.

Preferred Qualifications , Competencies, and Experience

• Ph.D. (basic science or clinical research) and M.D. (e.g., physicians in residency training) level trainees are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the UNC HR website. Those received by January 15 receive full consideration. If applying after this date, inquire whether positions are still available.

Verify eligibility (degree and citizenship) and review the list of faculty eligible to mentor a T32 fellow.

Identify a faculty member (or co‑mentors) willing to serve as a mentor and confirm their commitment to the application process.

Email the Program Directors, Ben Philpot and Mark Shen (copying Program Coordinator Angela Cousin) with: (a) your CV; (b) proposed mentors; and (c) confirmation of eligibility.

Develop a research plan with the mentor(s) to submit with the application.

Apply via the UNC HR website for the Post‑Doc Trainee position.

Include the following documents: CV, cover letter, and three letters of recommendation sent via email.

Letters of Recommendation

Send recommendation letters to:

Drs. Ben Philpot & Mark Shen c/o Program Coordinator Angela Cousin (angela.cousin.edu) UNC Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities 101 Renee Lynne Court, CB 7255 Carrboro, NC 27510 Resources

• Program Information: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./
• Eligible Mentors: https:///
• Meet the T32 Directors and Current Fellows:…