Post-Doc Research Associate

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 is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

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.

The UNC Institute for the Environment (IE) has a multifaceted mission: (1) To strengthen environmental research capacity across UNC by supporting a multi-disciplinary community of scholars that enhances collaboration, increases sharing of knowledge, and identifies solutions to the world's critical environmental problems. (2) To work in partnership across UNC and with external partners to coordinate and deliver 21st century educational programs that provide students with the experience and skills to thrive in a growing global economy. (3) To put new environmental knowledge into action by engaging and serving communities, here in North Carolina and around the world. (4) To fuel and harness the university's sustainability activities through the Sustainable Carolina Initiative

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Postdoctoral research project training opportunities are currently available at the Institute for the Environment with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. These appointments will be in the Institute's Center for Environmental Modeling and Policy Development (IE-CEMPD).

The selected candidate will work with Dr. Sarav Arunachalam in IE-CEMPD, to a) develop exposure-based categories of novel and emerging pollutants of interest such as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using statistical approaches based on sources and occurrence patterns in air, water, dust, and other environmental and biological media, and b)
advance understanding of human exposure to PFAS by providing the data needed to: identify, characterize, and predict important human exposure sources and pathways, evaluate the contribution of these exposure sources/pathways to PFAS body burdens, and prioritize efficient and effective collection of PFAS exposure information and anticipate exposures to new PFAS.

The candidate will work on a range of tasks including: a) Perform literature review to assess current state-of-the-art in developing exposure estimates for emerging pollutants like PFAS, b) Perform data analyses and modeling to develop exposure-based PFAS categories and contribute to insights on PFAS exposure sources and pathways using novel approaches like machine learning using multiple observational datasets, c) Collaborate with other stakeholders including data scientists, and d) Develop peer reviewed publications and project reports..

Beyond these tasks, the chosen candidates will also have an opportunity to work with other ongoing projects within IE-CEMPD in the field of emissions, air quality and climate modeling, to be mentored by the PI to lead the development of new project ideas and develop grant proposals, and provide support to junior staff / graduate students on related tasks. Extension beyond year 1 subject to funding availability and performance reviews.

Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, or Equivalent

Background in exposure assessments with an understanding of physical and chemical processes from multiple emissions sources related to these novel and emerging pollutants, and quantitative analysis of models and observational data using Python, R, etc.

Desired qualifications are a) chemistry and chemical mechanisms, b) proficiency in machine learning and other statistical methods, c) strong communication skills - written and oral, d) software skills needed to work with multiple observed and model datasets, e) a strong desire/motivation to develop scientific analyses of environmental problems for decision-making in support of national and international policies, and f) ability to work in a large multi-disciplinary team environment. At least 1 - 3 years of post-graduate experience will be considered a plus.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
-References and copy of publications to be included along with the application

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 (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

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, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.