Research Assistant Professor

Employment Type: Permanent Faculty

Vacancy ID: FAC0006193

Position Summary/Description:

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the UNC School of Medicine is recruiting a Research Assistant Professor to provide scientific leadership and participate in research and training activities in the laboratory of Drs. Craig E. Cameron and Jamie J. Arnold. The laboratory uses molecular, cellular, and biochemical approaches to understand positive-strand RNA virus replication, assembly, and spread, with the long-term goal of identifying strategies to prevent and treat viral infections.

The successful candidate will independently develop, lead, and conduct research on enteroviruses and alphaviruses, with emphasis on virus-host interactions that coordinate viral RNA synthesis, host lipid metabolism, replication-organelle formation, autophagy-associated membrane trafficking, and non-lytic spread. The position integrates molecular virology with reporter-based assays, quantitative live-cell and single-cell imaging, lipidomics, and ultrastructural analysis.

Responsibilities include experimental design, execution, and interpretation; development of research directions and analytical workflows; coordination of complementary projects and internal and external collaborations; leadership in manuscript preparation and contributions to grant proposals; and mentoring and day-to-day scientific supervision of trainees and research staff. The individual will remain actively engaged in laboratory research while guiding study design, troubleshooting, project milestones, and trainee development. Additional responsibilities include supporting rigorous data management, shared laboratory practices, and research training and compliance activities.

This position will require Demonstrated ability to formulate original research questions and independently design, conduct, and interpret mechanistic studies in positive-strand RNA virology. Research experience with enteroviruses and alphaviruses, supported by a strong record of peer-reviewed publications in molecular virology or virus-host cell biology.

Proficiency in molecular and cellular research methods, mammalian cell culture, reporter-based assays, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative analysis of experimental data. Ability to develop reproducible workflows, evaluate appropriate controls, and synthesize findings across complementary experimental approaches.

Demonstrated experience mentoring or training students and research personnel, coordinating research projects, and collaborating effectively with investigators from different disciplines. Strong written and oral communication skills, including substantive contributions to scientific manuscripts and presentations.