Assistant Professor

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.

The Biochemistry and Biophysics Department is one of the basic science departments in the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Our mission is 'to inspire tomorrow's discoveries and cures by decoding the molecular basis of life.' Our department hosts a successful PhD program with a high graduation rate focused on scientific discovery and dissemination alongside professional development and community-enhancing activities. We are consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally for NIH funding, and we produce an average of >140 publications each year. The Department currently consists of 23 active research groups that are highly collaborative within a scientific community that spans the UNC campus, nation, and world. UNC has a strong research infrastructure with many excellent core laboratories for research computing, macromolecular interactions, sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, animal models, functional genomics, quantitative imaging as well as others.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a rich academic environment with extensive opportunities for collaborative research within the institution. As one of the three 'points' of The Research Triangle along with Raleigh and Durham, Chapel Hill continually receives accolades for being a top location to live and work due to its exceptional educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics seeks outstanding applicants for tenure-track faculty positions in the areas of biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysics. We welcome candidates investigating molecular mechanisms of biological systems with relevance to human health. Our hiring priority is starting and early-career Assistant Professors, although we may consider uniquely-qualified candidates at more senior levels. The successful candidates will enhance the current strengths of the Department which include protein structure and engineering, nucleic acid structure function, chromatin biology, genome maintenance, cancer cell biology, cellular signaling, and others. Our review will place special emphasis on the future research plan and its potential synergy with UNC and the Department. The new faculty member is expected to establish a vibrant independent research program that provides excellent education and training for a community of graduate, undergraduate, and post-doctoral trainees.

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

We strongly prefer candidates who embrace excellence in research and teaching and have a commitment to mentoring and collaboration. Candidates dedicated to building a strong academic community that supports the success of all its members are also preferred.

Our mission is to continually renew a supportive research and training environment that advances knowledge of molecular mechanisms of biological systems relevant to human health. https://www.med.unc.edu/biochem

The following items will need to be attached to your application:
1 . The cover letter should describe how the application is specifically responsive to the position description, articulate the value of past contributions and future vision, and explain how the applicant foresees integrating with the Department and UNC research community. (~1.5 pages)

2. Full curriculum vitae (CV) that includes all positions since undergraduate training, honors, publications, funding, presentations, teaching and training activities, etc. Candidates are encouraged to highlight 3-5 impactful publications using several sentences providing context about the specific advance for the field and the candidate's role in the study. (no page limit)

3. ANONYMIZED future research plan -maximum 3 pages. This document should briefly describe past research accomplishments and explain the foundation for future research. The applicant's name, current and past affiliations, or accolades should not appear in this document. A bibliography is not required, but if included then citations to the applicant's own work must also be anonymized to remove all journal and author names. For example, "Applicant, author #1 of 6 (1995). Reconstitution of human DNA repair excision nuclease in a highly defined system"; the bibliography is not included in the 3-page maximum. The initial review will be based on the predicted scientific impact and likelihood of success of the proposed research program.

4. A statement of teaching, mentoring, learning environment development, and leadership experience that includes past activities, trainings, or specific relevant interests in future activities to enhance access to learning and to foster the success and prosperity of each rising generation of scientific leaders. Teaching in the Department is primarily in graduate courses and research training. (2 pages).

5. Names and contact information for 4-5 references who are prepared to submit letters within a week of request. In special circumstances, applicants can request to delay references until after communicating with the search committee.

Application reviews will begin October 27, 2025 and candidates should submit before this date. Applications received later cannot be assured full consideration by the committee. Questions - but not application materials - should be submitted to BCBPsearch@med.unc.edu. Additional information about the current search and the department can be found at https://www.med.unc.edu/biochem/about-us/join-us/

The start date of 6/1/2026 is flexible.

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 facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

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.

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.