Post-Doc Research Associate

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For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services

Department Applied Physical Sciences - 318100

Posting Open Date 07/23/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Position Title

Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate

Vacancy

Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week 40

FTE 1

Position Location

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range Dependent on Experience and/or Qualifications

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.

Launched in 2013, the Department of Applied Physical Sciences ( APS ) is the first new science department in the College of Arts and Sciences in nearly 40 years. APS lives in the collaborative space between science and engineering, combining knowledge and discovery with an engineering mindset, team-based science, and entrepreneurship to address real-world problems. Organized around "Ideas to Impacts," the department unites with campus themes in health, water and energy to help Carolina continue to be a leader in science innovation and the application of knowledge.

APS has united numerous scientific entities on campus to further its mission of finding interdisciplinary solutions to real-world problems. Its newest endeavor, BeAM (Be A Maker), is a university-wide initiative that incorporates Making into research, education, and entrepreneurship. BeAM is comprised of several spaces, including a makerspace in Hanes Art Center, Carmichael Residence Hall, and a 3,400 square foot Makerspace in Murray Hall, all of which serve the entire UNC community.

The Postdoc Research Associate ( PRDA ) will work in the Klotsa Lab at UNC Chapel Hill in the field of computational fluid dynamics and soft matter physics. The PDRA will be writing computer code, running computer simulations and analyzing the results. Subsequently, they will write and publish articles based on the research findings, and present in conferences.

The candidate should have a PhD degree in physics, engineering, applied math, chemistry, materials science or other related areas.

Experience in computer programming of soft matter systems.

The candidate will preferably have a background in soft matter physics, physical chemistry, statistical mechanics or fluid dynamics. The candidate should be able and willing to work together with PhD and undergraduate students in the group and with collaborators.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services

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  or send an email to opahr .

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.

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• List of References

• Cover Letter
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