PULSE: Postdoc Upskilling in Laboratory & Specialized Expertise
What is PULSE?
The PULSE initiative connects postdoctoral scholars with UNC’s Core Facilities through short-term, project-based professional development experiences. These opportunities give postdocs hands-on exposure to advanced technologies, service workflows, and specialized expertise, while providing Core Facilities with access to highly skilled researchers who can support ongoing projects, strengthen operations, and increase awareness of core resources across departments and faculty. Faculty mentors and PIs also benefit as their postdocs gain new technical expertise and expanded networks that can enhance the quality and efficiency of their home research programs.
Designed to be flexible and low-barrier, this initiative allows postdocs to dedicate a small, defined portion of their time to skill building and exploration – supporting a fulfilling postdoctoral experience and aligning with national recommendations that identify professional development as a core element of postdoctoral training. The initiative is open to all UNC postdoctoral scholars, including international researchers.
Together, these experiences support UNC’s mission of research excellence, fostering innovation across campus – ensuring our research community’s finger remains on the PULSE of cutting-edge technology.
Now Accepting Core Proposals – Deadline Friday, October 31 2025
1. Who is eligible to participate?
All UNC postdoctoral scholars are welcome, including those in bench, computational, clinical, and interdisciplinary research. International postdocs on visas are also eligible.
2. Is this a paid position?
No. PULSE experiences are for professional development only. Postdocs should not receive compensation, and Core Facilities should not charge for staff time or instrument usage related to the project.
3. How much time is required?
Postdocs are expected to dedicate 10–20% of their effort (typically 4–8 hours/week) for the duration of the project (usually up to 3 months). Flexible arrangements can be discussed with the Core Director.
4. What kinds of projects are available?
Projects vary by Core Facility and may include instrumentation training, workflow or protocol development, data analysis, training material creation, or other technical and service-oriented tasks.
5. How are projects matched with postdocs?
Postdocs apply to specific projects through OPA. Qualified applications are shared with the Core Director, who meets with applicants to assess fit. Final acceptance is at the discretion of the Core Director.
6. What if a project isn’t a good fit or needs to end early?
Participation can be concluded early in consultation with the Core Director and OPA. Both sides are encouraged to communicate openly to ensure a positive and productive experience.
7. How is participation recognized?
Postdocs will receive a certificate of completion and may have the opportunity to present their work at the Postdoc Research Symposium or Core Facility events. Projects will also be listed publicly on the PULSE webpage.
8. When are projects posted and how long do applications stay open?
Opportunities are posted on the PULSE webpage as they are approved. Applications are generally accepted on a rolling basis, with start dates coordinated between postdocs and Core Facilities.