What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Scientist position at University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill?
Posting Information
Posting Information
| Department | Neuroscience Center-428601 |
|---|---|
| Career Area | Research Professionals |
| Posting Open Date | 09/21/2026 |
| Application Deadline | 10/05/2026 |
| Open Until Filled | No |
| Position Type | Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) |
| Working Title | Research Scientist |
| Appointment Type | EHRA Non-Faculty |
| Position Number | 20078646 |
| Vacancy ID | NF0010056 |
| Full Time/Part Time | Full-Time Permanent |
| FTE | 1 |
| Hours per week | 40 |
| Position Location | North Carolina, US |
| Hiring Range | $70,000-$85,000; dependent upon experience and qualifications |
| Proposed Start Date | 10/12/2026 |
Position Information
| Be a Tar Heel! | 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. |
|---|---|
| Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit | 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. |
| Position Summary | The Hantman Lab in the Neuroscience Center and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Research Scientist to study brain circuits involved in motor control, learning, and recovery of function in models of disease and stroke. This is a senior scientific position with substantial responsibility for independent research and project leadership. The Senior Scientist/Research Scientist will design and perform experiments, analyze and interpret complex datasets, develop and lead research projects, contribute to manuscripts and grant applications, mentor trainees, and collaborate with other members of the laboratory and scientific community. Research may involve behavioral neuroscience, mouse models of disease and stroke, whole-brain imaging, neural recordings, circuit manipulation, and analysis of large behavioral, neural, and imaging datasets. The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of complex projects and move them from experimental design and implementation through analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication. The lab uses custom software and hardware for experimental control, data collection, and analysis, and the candidate should be comfortable learning, using, and troubleshooting these systems. Approximately 10% of the position will support shared laboratory operations, including purchasing, organization, regulatory documentation, and other laboratory needs. |
| Minimum Education and Experience Requirements | Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution. |
| Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience | Candidates must have substantial prior neuroscience research experience, including experience analyzing neural, behavioral, imaging, or other brain-related data. Candidates must demonstrate a record of successfully completing complex research projects and the ability to independently move projects from experimental design and implementation through data analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication. The position requires strong scientific judgment, initiative, organization, communication skills, and the ability to troubleshoot complex experiments and analyses with a high degree of independence. Experience mentoring or training junior researchers is required. Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python is required. |
| Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience | Competitive candidates will have experience or strong interest in behavioral neuroscience, motor systems neuroscience, mouse models of disease or stroke and recovery of function, whole-brain imaging, neural and behavioral data analysis, mouse experimental methods, and development or use of custom experimental systems. Evidence of successful project completion may include first-author publications or comparable scientific outputs, development of major experimental or analytical systems, completion of substantial datasets, or leadership of collaborative research projects. |
| Special Physical/Mental Requirements | |
| Campus Security Authority Responsibilities | Not Applicable. |
| Special Instructions | The cover letter should briefly describe research experience, evidence of successful project completion, technical and analytical skills, mentoring experience, and interest in the Hantman Lab. |
| Quick Link | https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325671 |
Posting Contact Information
| Department Contact Name and Title | Sarah Willis, HR Consultant |
|---|---|
| Department Contact Telephone or Email | sarah_a_willis@med.unc.edu |
| Office of Human Resources Contact Information | If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu |
| Equal Opportunity Employer Statement | 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. |
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
Salary : $70,000 - $85,000