CIPOC Postdoctoral Research Associate

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.

Are you ready to go beyond the state of the art?

At the Renaissance Computing Institute ( RENCI), we use data, creativity, and inclusive teaming to revitalize how science is done. Fostering data science expertise and creating cyberinfrastructure isn't just about solving known problems - it's about expanding human potential by unlocking data.

We need innovators, builders, strategists, technologists, architects, and creative thinkers across all domains to drive this work forward. When you join our team, you'll:
-Spend your time solving the interesting and unique problems of research and development.
-Shape your future through experimentation and unfettered access to premier education and research.
-Make connections to people and projects that ignite your passion.

We know that diversity of people and ideas is a cornerstone of innovation, and we work to ensure our culture reflects that knowledge. We provide the tools you need to do your job effectively; we offer flexibility so you can be the most productive version of you; and we encourage thoughtful and challenging discourse.

Join our research institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill today and help us spark a scientific renaissance across the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and beyond.

The Renaissance Computing Institute ( RENCI) at UNC Chapel Hill is seeking a CIPOC Postdoctoral Research Associate to assist with research involved in ARPA-H funded project entitled, 'Cancer Identification and Precision Oncology Center'. Work on the project at RENCI involves developing approaches for the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) to process collections of clinical notes, radiology and pathology reports and similar documents, and Electronic Health Records, to identify cancer cases early, and to extract detailed information about the cancer. An additional aim of the project is to create a data collection of mammograms, and pathology and radiology images for potential development of a Virtual Tumor Board.

The selected candidate is expected to work in a team environment together with graduate students, other postdoctoral associates, software engineers and faculty who are involved in the project. The selected candidate will develop software codes in a secure cloud-based environment to process the notes, EHR data as well as the images to advance the aims of the project. Mentors for the candidate will include Dr. Ashok Krishnamurthy and Dr. Matt Satusky from RENCI, Dr. Emily Pfaff from School of Medicine, and Dr. Melissa Troester and Dr. Caroline Thompson from the School of Public Health. The candidate is also expected to use this opportunity and learning experience to advance their own research and a pathway towards an independent research career.

The postdoctoral associate will contribute to and participate in meetings, workshops, trainings, conference and code reviews; prepare and give presentations on results of the research at conferences; lead and participate in drafting scientific papers reporting results of the research for publication in scientific journals; perform other duties as requested or required to support the work of the research project.

PhD in one of these fields: Computer Science, Data Science, Biomedical Informatics, Computational Biology, Information Science or a related field.

Experience in at least one of the following fields: Large Language Models, Image Processing, Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Informatics or a related field.

Programming experience in a language such as Python or R.

Experience in writing grant proposals and scientific publications.

Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Experience in using Large Language Models to extract information from textual data; and Artificial Intelligence/Neural Networks in biomedical domains.

Working knowledge of Unix based operating systems and git version control.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

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.

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.