Post-Doctoral Trainee

Department:Physical Medicine Rehab - 413401Posting Open Date:10/07/2025Application Deadline:01/15/2026Open Until Filled:NoPosition Type:Postdoctoral ScholarPosition Title:Post-Doctoral TraineeVacancy ID:PDS004668Full-time/Part-time:Full-Time TemporaryHours per week:40FTE:1Work Location:Chapel Hill, NCPosition Location:North Carolina, USHiring Range:Dependent on QualificationsProposed Start Date:07/01/2026Estimated Duration of Appointment:12 MonthsBe 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:Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.Education: We prepare tomorrow`s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.Position Summary:The Program on Integrative Medicine (PIM) within the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is seeking qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral fellowship.The goal of this T32 training program is to cultivate diverse, well-trained, independent researchers at postdoctoral level for leadership in investigating efficacy, effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and implementation strategies for clinical integration of effective CIH therapies into healthcare practice.Research trainees will have the opportunity to:1) receive rigorous training that emphasizes the development and implementation of clinical trials, including feasibility testing, mechanism evaluations, advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, systematic reviews/meta-analysis, and implementation science methods2) receive a firm grounding in CIH concepts and research issues3) participate in the ongoing research of strong mentors4) develop and conduct significant studies that will provide a foundation for future funded research5) participate in the development of innovative research tools and measures to better examine CIH approaches to care.This is a full-time hybrid position for one year with an option for renewal contingent upon performance and funding availability. Candidates will need to reside in commuting distance of UNC and come to campus at least 2 days a week.Required fellowship activities include the following:* Participation in a primary research project with Drs. Gaylord, Giscombe, Faurot, and potentially another approved UNC faculty mentor. Please see our website for details of mentors committed to the program: UNC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program on Integrative Medicine* Dr. Gaylord studies mindfulness interventions for pain conditions, anxiety, and risk of depression.* Dr. Giscombe studies biopsychosocial research, including biomarkers associated with mindfulness and Superwoman Schema for Black/African American women and healing professionals.* Dr. Faurot studies nutrition interventions for chronic pain conditions, dietary supplement safety, and mindfulness interventions for caregivers of persons living with dementia.* Other researchers with whom we are affiliated have expertise in implementation science.Duties include, but are not limited to:* Development of an original research area that aligns with ongoing research projects at the Program on Integrative Medicine or other UNC collaborators.* Attendance at the Responsible Conduct of Research courses offered by the NC TraCS Institute. Attendance at the fall semester course, Principles, and Practices of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Course.* Attendance at the T-32 Fellows Weekly Seminar with in-person meetings scheduled monthly.* Creation of an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in collaboration with fellowship directors that aligns with the Program on Integrative Medicine’s research mission to be submitted in September and March each year.* Meeting with one of the Fellowship Directors every 2 weeks to check in and with all three directors biannually (September/October, March/April) to review progress toward IDP goals.* Coursework at UNC-Chapel Hill relevant to the educational research needs of the fellow. This can be non-degree graduate coursework or coursework as part of an optional research degree (e.g., Master’s in Clinical Research).* Attendance at an integrative health conference annually and other selected conferences and seminars approved by the Fellowship Directors.* Research presentation at one or more national meetings per year as well as to groups within the university.* Submission of 1-3 manuscripts the first year (expectations depending on prior preparation) and 2-3 manuscripts the second year to peer-reviewed journals, with at least one first-authored manuscript.Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:Applicants must possess a doctoral-level degree in a health-related field (e.g., MD, ND, Ph.D., DO, DC, DOM, PharmD, DPT, OTD, DNP).Must be a permanent US resident or US citizen.Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to a career in academic research on complementary, alternative, and integrative health modalities such as mind-body or nutrition interventions.Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:Research experience relating to complementary and integrative health is preferred.Special Instructions:For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here