Post-Doc Research Associate

Position Title: Post-Doc Research Associate Department: Computer Science - 318400 Position Summary: The postdoctoral researcher will conduct advanced research in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, with a focus on developing novel algorithms and systems. The position offers opportunities to work at the intersection of AI methodology and real-world applications, especially in healthcare. The researcher will collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and external partners, contribute to publications in top-tier conferences/journals, and support grant-related projects. Posting Open Date: 06/16/2026 Application Deadline: 09/14/2026 Vacancy ID: PDS004892 Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time Temporary Hours per week: 40 FTE: 1 Work Location: Chapel Hill, NC Position Location: North Carolina, US Hiring Range: Dependent on experience and/or qualifications. Proposed Start Date: 10/01/2026 Estimated Duration of Appointment: 12 Months Be a Tar Heel!: 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. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: The Department of Computer Science is one of 16 science departments and curricula in the College of Arts and Sciences. It is a major teaching department with more than 30 tenured/tenure track faculty, nine research faculty, and 28 adjunct faculty, who serve more than a thousand undergraduate students and hundreds of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Our driving research ideal is collaboration-as it has been since the founding of our department in 1964. We believe that computer science’s greatest purpose is in working with other scientists to solve problems in their own disciplines. Therefore, we actively seek opportunities to generate new research with our colleagues and with scientists in other departments across campus, including in science, medicine, and the humanities. Numerous computer science faculty members have adjunct or joint appointments in other departments, lead large interdisciplinary research groups, and collaborate with colleagues from multiple universities across the Research Triangle, the United States, and even the world. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, or a related field, awarded by the time of appointment. Demonstrated research experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or related areas. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Strong background in machine learning, deep learning, or related AI techniques. Proficiency in Python and at least one major deep learning framework (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow). Evidence of research productivity (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, or equivalent). Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team environment. Strong written and oral communication skills in English Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Research experience in multimodal learning, large language models, or reinforcement learning. Familiarity with high-performance computing environments (e.g., GPUs, distributed training). Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate students. Special Physical/Mental Requirements: NA Special Instructions: For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here Department Contact Name and Title: Huaxiu Yao, Assistant Professor Department Contact Telephone or Email: huaxiu@cs.unc.edu Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information: 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. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.