The Water Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a post-doctoral fellow who will contribute to work on advanced methods for pathogen detection in water, initially focused on Naegleria fowleri. The successful candidate will join a vibrant and collaborative group working at the intersection of environmental engineering and public health.
Roles & Responsibilities: Working with PI Joe Brown, the post-doctoral fellow will lead development of sampling and analysis plans for the measurement of Naegleria fowleri in environmental waters; organize and oversee laboratory and field work; liaise with project partners; provide mentorship and training of graduate and undergraduate research assistants; and maintain active communication with project stakeholders. The post-doc will be expected to lead peer-reviewed publications and contribute to grant proposals. We seek a candidate who will proactively contribute to a diverse, collaborative, positive, supportive, safe, and welcoming laboratory culture. We are a thriving and dynamic research group that prioritizes research excellence as well as maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Find out more about our work here: http://tarheels.live/brown and https://waterinstitute.unc.edu.
Requirements: The post-doctoral fellow will have received a PhD in environmental microbiology, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, or a closely aligned field and should be well organized, detail-oriented, able to work independently, and interested in working on interdisciplinary team science. Valuable background and skills include experience with environmental sampling; PCR, culture, and sequencing-based analysis of environmental samples; data analysis; modeling; field work; and academic writing. We seek a creative thinker.
To apply, please send the following items to Dr. Joe Brown (joebrown@unc.edu) by email as a single .pdf file, with subject line “Post-doc environmental micro”:
- Brief cover letter describing interests and motivation
- Curriculum vitae
- Names and full contact information for three references
- One example first-author publication in the peer-reviewed literature
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The position is available starting 1 October 2025, though the start date is negotiable. Please send any questions about the position to Prof. Joe Brown at joebrown@unc.edu.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity 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.