Post-Doc Research Associate - Dr. Sam Lai's lab
Company: UNC-Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill
Posted on: April 2, 2026
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Job Description:
Position Summary Multiple Postdoctoral Research Associate
positions are available in the Lai Lab at the UNC Eshelman School
of Pharmacy. We seek intellectually curious and highly motivated
candidates with a strong record of scientific productivity and
innovation. Ideal applicants will have expertise in virology,
molecular biology, gene delivery, immune cell therapy,
computational modeling, immunology, bioengineering, or closely
related disciplines. The primary focus is to advance in vivo
engineering of immune cells for cancer, auto-immune and/or
infectious disease applications, with the goal of not only
advancing safe and highly efficacious therapies but also with cost
profiles that greatly reduce access barriers for many
immunotherapies. We broadly welcome applications from top
applicants who can contribute unique expertise towards this effort.
As the research progresses forward, the understanding is that there
will be room for the research area to also evolve over time. The
top applicants are expected to have received training in top labs
in respective fields, have multiple first-author publications, and
have at least 3 years of training occurring in either North America
or Europe. We will provide salary and research support for the
postdocs’ research, with the goal of publishing multiple
high-impact papers and developing translatable innovations during
the training period. The Lai Lab has a strong track record of
advancing innovations at the interface of immunology and
engineering into clinical applications, with numerous inventions
from the lab currently undergoing active clinical and preclinical
development. Beyond leading their immediate research area,
postdoctoral researchers are expected to serve as mentors and help
oversee graduate students, undergraduate students, and/or research
staff involved in the work. The position also involves
collaboration with relevant research partners, including industry
collaborators. Application Instructions: When submitting an
application, please state in your cover letter why you are
interested in this field of research and why you believe you would
be a good fit for the Lai Lab. Required Qualifications,
Competencies, And Experience Previous training in top labs in
virology, molecular biology, gene delivery, immune cell therapy,
computational modeling, immunology, bioengineering, or any related
disciplines. At least 3 years of research experience (graduate
training is acceptable) in North America or Europe. Preferred
Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience Viral gene delivery,
CAR -T therapies, computational protein modeling and design,
directed evolution (Yeast display, phage display) is preferred.
Keywords: UNC-Chapel Hill, Wilson , Post-Doc Research Associate - Dr. Sam Lai's lab, Science, Research & Development , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
