Research Technician (Ideraabdullah lab)

Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM

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 mission of the Genetics department is to provide basic and applied genetic/genomic research, education, and training at the interface between biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics, the social sciences, public health, and medicine to have a profound effect on how medicine will be practiced in the future.

Our graduate programs train students to be creative, sophisticated research scientists prepared to pursue careers focused on genetics and genomics working in academic science, government, or commercial positions. Students conduct their dissertation research using diverse experimental approaches - from classical genetics to the most modern molecular methods - to address a broad range of contemporary problems in biomedical science.

The Department also includes a clinical arm focused on medical genetics, which covers the broad spectrum of clinical genetic research from disease prevention to diagnosis and treatment. This specialty includes evaluation, mutation discovery, counseling and risk assessment through analysis and genetic testing. Locating the clinical group alongside basic scientists facilitates integration of cutting-edge genetic research with patient care.

The Ideraabdullah lab in the UNC Genetics Department is seeking a Research Technician with expertise in either molecular biology, molecular genetics, or molecular epigenetics; basic-advanced data graphing & statistical analyses skills; animal husbandry/handling; and an interest in studying mouse models of epigenetic mechanisms.

The Ideraabdullah laboratory studies the developmental origins of disease. We use mouse models and human studies to understand how early exposure to nutrients, toxicants, and genetic variation influence offspring susceptibility to disease later in life. The successful candidate will serve as a research technician performing research with postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, postbaccs, and undergraduate students in the lderaabdullah lab; as well as collaborators from other labs. They will also have lab manager duties, which include but are not limited to: coordinating schedules and equipment for lab meetings, ordering and maintenance of common lab area, reagents, waste, materials, protocols, and equipment. He/she will also be responsible for training individuals in established protocols that are within their area of expertise and will contribute to maintenance of a safe and efficient laboratory environment. They will participate in research studies that will include methods in basic bioinformatics analyses using mouse and human genome databases and established pipelines, molecular genetic assays and analyses such as PCR, genotyping, cloning using bacterial and viral vectors, mutagenesis, DNA and RNA isolation and assessment of RNA and protein levels, mammalian cell culture, tissue processing, sequencing library preparation, chromatin analysis, and basic statistical analyses.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Previous laboratory experience.
Practical experience with working in a team to complete research projects.
The selected candidate must be capable of safely and properly operating basic laboratory equipment. He or she must be able to maintain laboratory resources including supplies, chemicals, equipment, and facilities. Also, this candidate must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with others in the laboratory for the purpose of safety, training, supervision, and dissemination of findings.

Degree:
Course work in Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Nutritional Biochemistry or a related field

Other preferences include:
Proficiency with basic molecular biology / molecular genetics / biochemistry techniques (such as DNA/ RNA extraction, PCR, RT- PCR, immunofluorescence, ELISA and Western blots) is also required.

Previous experience with laboratory management, including ordering and budget tracking, equipment upkeep, and supervision of lab personnel is desirable.

The ability to understand how to safely use hazardous reagents/materials, centrifuges, spectrophotometers/luminometers, pH meters, air tanks, and fluorescent microscopes is preferred but not required.

Formal training in biological research and scientific problem solving in an academic laboratory setting. Practical examples of critical thinking about experimental approaches and troubleshooting abilities are desirable.

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.