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.

Please see the following links https://www.pml.unc.edu/ and https://www.pml.unc.edu/openings

The mission of the Department of Mathematics is to extend the frontiers of mathematical knowledge and the ways it is used in the real world, to disseminate that knowledge and to train the next generation of teachers and researchers, as well as those choosing careers with industry or government. The Department is committed to building and nourishing interactions with other units across the UNC campus and with academic and industrial partners in North Carolina's Research Triangle region, throughout the State and across the Nation. The Department maintains a strong research program as well as a comprehensive educational program. An active, healthy research environment is essential for training graduate students and enlivens undergraduate teaching by bringing students into contact with new and relevant mathematics, fostering fundamental mathematical skills and appreciation, and encouraging students to become the next generation of researchers and educators. UNC's Physical Mathematics Lab integrates mathematical theory and numerical simulation with in-house experiments conducted in our dedicated wet lab. This collaborative environment extends throughout UNC's Department of Mathematics, which benefits from extensive experimental and computational facilities and hosts several research groups in related areas, bringing together a broad and complementary set of skills (https://math.unc.edu).

This position will join our group working at the intersection of fluid mechanics and soft matter physics. Ongoing lines of investigation include pilot-wave hydrodynamics, vibrating bubbles, nonlinear waves, and active matter. We welcome candidates with theoretical expertise, though applications from outstanding experimentalists are also encouraged. This position will be expected to supervise graduate and undergraduate researchers and to help foster collaborations within and beyond UNC.

A Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, engineering, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.

A Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, engineering, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.

Ideal theoreticians will have strong skills in applied mathematics, including asymptotic analysis, perturbation methods, dynamical systems, and scientific computation.
Ideal experimentalists will have strong skills in experimental fluid mechanics, including laboratory design, high-speed imaging, flow visualization, and quantitative data analysis.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here Applicants must apply online at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/310317.

In addition to the information requested by the UNC website, applicants should post the following at www.mathjobs.org:
(1) The AMS Standard Cover Sheet (online form)
(2) A curriculum vitae
(3) A research statement outlining your interests and relevant work
(4) Three letters of recommendation

Note that candidates must apply at both the UNC website and MathJobs in order to be considered for the position. The UNC website will request a list of references. Letters of recommendation only need to be uploaded to MathJobs.

Applications received by January 15, 2026 will get complete consideration. After that, applications will be reviewed on a continuing basis until the position is filled. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Pedro Saenz at: saenz@unc.edu (Include "Postdoctoral Position" in the subject line.)

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.