Department: Psychiatry - Research - 412250 Position Summary: The UNC Department of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an open rank faculty position on the variable track. We are seeking an exceptional clinician scientist for a full-time, faculty researcher focused on the neural and molecular mechanisms of geriatric mental health disorders, cognitive aging, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk. The Department of Psychiatry provides an outstanding environment for translational neuroscience, basic and clinical research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and career development. Under the new Chair, Dr. Warren Taylor, the Department of Psychiatry is growing its clinical and research expertise in geriatric mental health and strengthening ties between the Department and the UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. This new faculty member will lead an innovative research program investigating mechanisms underlying geriatric mental health disorders, cognitive aging and AD vulnerability, with a particular emphasis on longitudinal course, depression and anxiety, neural circuitry, and molecular biomarkers. The successful candidate will develop an independent program of externally funded research; contribute to collaborative initiatives within Psychiatry, Neurology, Neuroscience, and the broader UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center; and leverage multimodal methodologies such as neuroimaging, molecular assays, ecological data, and computational approaches. In addition to developing a robust independent research program, the faculty member will also provide high-quality research mentorship to trainees in the Department of Psychiatry, including medical students, residents, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty. The faculty member will also be expected to have a portion of their time providing clinical care to older adults. Primary responsibilities include designing and executing research studies; building team science collaborations; conducting data analysis; disseminating results; publishing in high-impact scientific journals; and securing extramural grant funding. This position represents a critical investment in UNC’s strategic vision to transform research and care for older adults, improve mental health outcomes in later life, and reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s disease through precision neuroscience. The UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of research excellence partnered with expert clinical care. 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. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service. OUR VISION Our vision is to be the nation’s leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding. Posting Open Date: 07/06/2026 Working Title: Open Rank Appointment Type: Open Rank Vacancy ID: FAC0006011 Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time Permanent Hours per week: 40 FTE: 1 Position Location: North Carolina, US Hiring Range: Dependent on Experience and Qualifications Proposed Start Date: 10/05/2026 Be 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. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance. 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. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: This position is for either a physician-scientist or psychologist-scientist. The applicant must have an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university. Must be eligible for professional licensure to provide medical or psychological care for patients in North Carolina Evidence of research excellence and productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and a strong record of scholarship. Demonstrated expertise in neuroimaging, cognitive aging, affective disorders, Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms, or related neural/molecular processes. Evidence of potential to obtain and sustain extramural research funding. Strong oral and written communication skills and commitment to interdisciplinary, collaborative science. Commitment to mentorship and to fostering inclusive excellence in research training. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Training in psychiatry or geriatric psychiatry, neuropsychology or geropsychology, neuroimaging, aging, computational neuroscience, and / or Alzheimer’s disease research. Demonstrated success with independent or collaborative grant funding (e.g., NIH K/R mechanisms, foundation funding). Experience conducting research on aging, clinical neuroscience, or biomarkers relevant to geriatric mental health or Alzheimer’s risk. Experience mentoring students, fellows, or junior investigators. Ability to contribute to the department’s growing precision-medicine and neuroscience initiatives. Campus Security Authority Responsibilities: Not Applicable. Department Contact Name and Title: Ammie Senn, HR Consultant Department Contact Telephone or Email: ammie_senn@med.unc.edu Academic Personnel Office Contact Information: If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu. Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: 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.