Post-Doc Research Associate (Liu Lab)

Position Details Position Title: Post-Doc Research Associate (Liu Lab) Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar Salary Range: $62,232 - $67,824 (dependent on experience) Location: Chapel Hill, NC Start Date: 12/01/2025 Appointment Duration: 12 Months Position Summary The Liu Lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the evolutionary mechanisms that shape the pathogenicity and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). This position will focus on identifying the genetic determinants that drive bacterial adaptation to the host environment and contribute to antimicrobial resistance and persistence during infection. The successful candidate will leverage large-scale longitudinal clinical cohorts and bacterial isolate collections obtained through collaborations. The research will involve developing and applying novel population‑genomic and statistical frameworks to detect non‑canonical forms of natural selection, adaptive convergence, and bacterial traits associated with transmission, virulence, and treatment outcomes. This position will require integration of multi-dimensional datasets including genomic, transcriptomic, phenotypic, and clinical metadata to elucidate how bacterial evolution influences disease progression and therapeutic response. The postdoc will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with computational biologists, microbiologists, and clinicians, and to contribute to the design of follow‑up functional validation experiments. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Ph.D. in microbiology, genetics, computational biology, or a related field. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Ph.D. or all but dissertation for Ph.D. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience The ideal candidate will have a strong background in microbial genomics, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, or computational biology, with an interest in translational applications that connect bacterial evolution to clinical impact. Experience in bacterial genomics or evolution. Benefits Medical and vision coverage. Paid leave. Benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. #J-18808-Ljbffr Inside Higher Ed