Postdoctoral Research Associate - Goode Lab

The UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) is a world-renowned center and a global leader in precision nutrition research. Our on-site facilities include multiple wet labs and clinical facilities as well as a vivarium and a metabolic chamber. Approximately two hours from UNC-Chapel Hill, the NRI is located on the beautiful North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) in Kannapolis, NC, a mid-size city with a small-town feel. The institute is within walking distance of the city center which includes shops, restaurants, a minor-league ballpark, theater, and music hall of fame. We are also a short drive to Charlotte and Winston-Salem/Greensboro. The NRI offers programs that support a healthy work/life balance. We also offer professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development, and lifelong learning.

Learning how people can eat uniquely!

The UNC Nutrition Research Institute ( NRI) is an internationally recognized center conducting innovative basic and translational science to establish how individual differences in nutrient requirements and responses to diet affect our nutritional needs. Our research contributes to the prevention and mitigation of chronic disease across the lifespan from periconception through aging.

Our Mission is to lead precision nutrition research through understanding how genetics and environment affect an individual's requirements for and responses to nutrients.

NRI principal investigators hold faculty appointments in the departments of Nutrition and Psychology at UNC Chapel Hill. Their research interrogates nutrient roles in disease prevention, disease risk factors, and the impact of gene-environment and gene-nutrient interactions.

The NRI promotes excellence in nutrition knowledge, teaching, and research. We seek and encourage a diversity of experiences and ideas and provide the tools and flexibility for all employees to achieve success and excellence within their chosen occupations and aspirations.

We are committed to open dialogue, careful listening, becoming educated about the systems that hinder or prevent success, and taking action to ensure that all are equally acknowledged for their contributions and equally reap the benefits of being part of our community.

Our Vision is to use scientific discovery to ensure optimal health through individualized nutrition.

Everyone who works at the NRI supports this hopeful vision. Working at the NRI means doing good for the world. Join us!

The NRI and this position are in Kannapolis, NC, in the Charlotte region.

NOTE: This position is located in Kannapolis, NC, appx. 2 hours from UNC's main campus.

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available within the UNC Nutrition Research Institute as an integral part of the Living F.R.E.E. (Research Focused on Reducing Excessive Eating) Lab under the leadership of principal investigator, Rachel W. Goode, PhD, MPH, LCSW.

This 2-year postdoctoral position provides a unique opportunity to be involved with the development and implementation of community-engaged behavioral interventions for those at the intersection of disordered eating and obesity.

We invite applications for a 2-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ( UNC), focused on community-engaged behavioral health research addressing eating disorder disparities, chronic disease prevention and management, mHealth intervention development, and eating disorder screening and treatment disparities in primary care settings.

The associate will receive training to become an independent investigator with an emphasis on disordered eating, behavioral health interventions, community-based participatory research, mHealth approaches, and chronic disease disparities. The position offers ample opportunities in manuscript and grant writing, leadership development, innovative technology and methodology, and pilot study funding to develop the associate's line of research. The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, and detail-oriented, with a proactive, reliable, and adaptable approach, strong communication skills, and a collaborative, community-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities include mentoring research coordinators and students, developing intervention materials in obesity, binge eating, and type 2 diabetes management, and mHealth programs. Additional responsibilities include conducting statistical analyses and writing scientific manuscripts. The position is full-time, in-office, with the potential for a 12-month renewal (up to 24 months total). Estimated start date: Monday, August 17, 2026.

- PhD in Public Health, Social Work, Nutrition, or Psychology or a PhD in a related field (e.g., sociology).

- Knowledge of conducting all aspects of community-based research, public health intervention planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Knowledge of health disparities, disparities in eating disorders, and obesity and diabetes prevention.
- Excellent research skills, including in the areas of developing qualitative research questions, conducting focus groups and in-depth interviews, and IRB applications.
- Ability to work with peers and supervisory staff in a professional manner and to interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
- Ability to provide guidance and leadership to undergraduate and graduate students.

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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.