UNC-ARC Career Coach

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 that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs ( OPA), established in October 2001, is housed in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research ( OVCR). The mission of the OPA is to enhance, support, and promote postdoctoral training at the University and to prepare postdoctoral scholars for successful careers. OPA serves postdoctoral scholars in all disciplines, schools, and colleges at the University. This Office has pan-University scope in terms of its services and programs.

As part of a continuing commitment to building a culturally diverse intellectual community and advancing scholars from underrepresented groups in higher education, OPA manages the Carolina Postdoctoral Program for Faculty Diversity for the University, with the primary purpose of developing scholars from underrepresented groups for possible tenure track appointments at Carolina and other research universities.

The UNC Advancing Research Careers ( UNC- ARC) Training Hub seeks a Career Coach to provide individualized and cohort-based career development support to biomedical doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars from North Carolina Central University ( NCCU) and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T). This position aligns with UNC-ARC's mission to equip senior doctoral trainees and early postdoctoral scholars with the competencies, mentorship, and professional networks needed to successfully transition into and thrive in biomedical careers.
Using a strengths-based, reflective, and scholar-centered coaching approach, the Career Coach will help participants clarify career goals, identify transferable skills, develop professional confidence, navigate career transitions, and prepare for successful entry into academic, industry, government, nonprofit, and other biomedical workforce pathways.

Primary Responsibilities:

Individual Career Coaching
* Provide one-on-one coaching sessions to doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars participating in UNC- ARC cohorts.
* Assist scholars in identifying strengths, values, interests, and transferable skills.
* Support development and implementation of Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
* Help participants establish career goals and actionable career advancement plans.
* Guide scholars through thinking about career decision-making and professional transitions.
* Assist scholars in evaluating academic, industry, government, nonprofit, and entrepreneurship career opportunities.

Career Readiness and Job Preparedness
* Deliver coaching and training on:
* CV and resume development
* Cover letters and personal statements
* Networking strategies
* Informational interviewing
* Professional branding and online presence
* Interview preparation
* Salary negotiation
* Job search strategies
* Professional communication
* Career transition planning
* Postdoc Navigation Process
* Support scholars applying for:
* Postdoctoral positions
* Faculty positions
* Research-intensive careers
* Industry and biotechnology roles
* Government and nonprofit careers

Workshop Facilitation

Develop and deliver interactive virtual workshops and small-group sessions, including topics such as:
* Career Exploration and Decision-Making
* Identifying Strengths and Transferable Skills
* IDP workshops
* Networking

Workshop design should incorporate reflective exercises, strengths-based assessment, goal setting, practical tools, and peer learning opportunities.

Program Development and Evaluation
* Contribute to development of career readiness curricula and resources.
* Maintain records of coaching participation and outcomes.
* Collect participant feedback and support continuous program improvement.
* Provide recommendations for future programming and capacity-building efforts at partner institutions.

Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in the area of assignment, of which at least one is supervisory or in a lead-worker capacity; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources 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.