Postdoctoral Training
The Research Triangle region (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) of North Carolina is a national and international hub for research in toxicology. The area is home to three major universities, Federal Government facilities that are leading centers for environmental health sciences research, and numerous large and small companies that conduct toxicology-related research. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a “Research One” institution, the flagship of the State of North Carolina University System, and a leading institution in academic research in biomedical sciences, public health, pharmaceutical sciences and other areas. The faculty base of this training program is drawn from ten departments in the School of Medicine, three divisions in the School of Pharmacy, and three departments in the School of Public Health at UNC-CH. This training program has had a long tradition of engaging mentors with MD and DVM degrees in training of pre- and post-doctoral fellows, and we maintain a strong teaching and research-based curriculum in pathology and animal models of human disease. Moreover, there is an excellent Post-doctoral training environment at UNC.
Post-doctoral training is designed to provide the opportunity for a graduate of doctoral or professional program to develop new and in-depth experience in a specific scientific area, and to hone ancillary professional skills that are essential to a successful independent career. Opportunities are available with the Curriculum faculty, and we encourage you to make contact with those researchers whose work would provide a vehicle for your further training. In addition to funding that is available from individual laboratories, competitive training funds are available.
See our Research Interests and Multidisciplinary Training Areas for details about research opportunities in the Curriculum.
Postdoctoral Environment
In recognition of the critical roles that postdoctoral fellows play in the research mission of the university, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) established an Office of Postdoctoral Services. Importantly, the University and the Toxicology Curriculum recognize the individual professional and personal issues that are critical to successful post-doctoral training. A wide range of services that are provided are designed to enhance, support and promote post-doctoral training at the university and to prepare post-doctoral scholars for successful careers. Some of the workshops and short programs have included topics focused on career development and employment trends (e.g., “Careers in Writing,” “Bench Mentoring Skills for Scientists,” “Grant Writing for Success,” and “Management Strategies: Building a Foundation for Success”). Other services include individual career counseling and assistance with career development, and providing opportunities that facilitate professional and social networking within the Post-Doc community.
Postdoctoral Support
In addition to potential support provided by the research funds of Curriculum faculty, there are three other competitive vehicles by which post-doctoral scholars can be supported within the Curriculum.