Research Specialist

40 hours per week

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

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.

The UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing 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 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 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.
OUR MISSION
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 will 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 will prepare tomorrow's health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.
Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.

This position will assist in the daily operations of a recent NIH funded research project within the UNC Kidney Center. This position will facilitate the progression of the project using in vitro cell culture systems and in vivo animal models.

The primary purpose of this position is to perform in vitro studies following the proposals of this project, including but not limit to mammalian cells cultures, cell lysates collection and analysis. In addition, the individual will help the colleagues to finish in vivo animal studies. The individual will work in a collaborative network composed of physicians, PhDs, nurses and research personnel. Sample processing requires DNA, RNA isolation and protein extraction, etc. The position requires inventorying and maintaining the normal operation of the lab, such as preparing, organizing, and storing reagents for sample processing and analysis. This position also requires the preparation and shipment of samples to external potential collaborators.

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Experience performing complex experiments and assays on biologic samples.

A background in biological sciences, chemistry, or health related field. Experience in a research laboratory and performing complex experiments and assays on biologic samples. Knowledge of and experience in general laboratory techniques is desired, especially DNA and RNA isolation, protein extraction and biochemistry analysis. Organizational and managerial skills are a must. Animal handle experience is a plus but not required. Most importantly, this position requires the capacity and training to independently maintain and propel a variety of research projects, primarily through collection, processing and analysis of biological samples and data. Intellectual skills are needed to carry out this work in planning, writing, and evaluating.

The employee is responsible for assuring attention to detail and accuracy in data recording and management. Basic knowledge in protein biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology will be required. The interpretation and evaluation of the data collected in the studies in which this employee will participate has a profound effect on study direction. In many cases, only a small amount of research samples will be available for the analysis, precision in evaluation and procedure is critical. Requires astute visual attention, mental concentration and manipulative skills when handling samples and when conducting analysis.

Work closely with the PIs and other lab members to fulfill the designed tasks with high efficiency and precisely. Within the laboratory, the person in this position will work with all levels and ranges of employees and trainees in the course of processing samples and conducting laboratory procedures. Initially, the employee will learn from more experienced colleagues, later will teach these techniques to new laboratory members.

Not Applicable.

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 of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.