Research Technician

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 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.

The mission of the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies ( BCAS) is to conduct, coordinate and promote basic and clinical research on the causes, prevention and treatment of alcoholism and alcoholic disease. BCAS is one of fourteen National Research Centers funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism ( NIAM). The Center is now internationally recognized as a leader in the field of alcoholism and addiction medicine. BCAS and its clinical partner, UNC Health Care's Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program, unite researchers, physicians, and therapists from diverse fields into a focused, multidisciplinary team. Research in the Center is extremely strong in the areas of drinking and relapse behavior, molecular adaptations to alcohol that underlie tolerance, dependence and protracted withdrawal, alcohol cell signaling, and alcohol toxicology across the lifespan. BCAS has international leaders in the study of ion channel regulation, protein kinases, neurodegeneration, fetal teratogenesis, genetics and behavioral pharmacology.

The Research Technician position is located in the Besheer Lab at UNC's Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies ( BCAS). The principal purpose of the Research Technician is to facilitate and conduct research focused on examining the neurobiological processes that underlie addiction. The successful candidate will be performing standardized procedures that are used in behavioral pharmacological research, including the daily conduct of behavioral experiments in rats. The Research Technician must be capable of working independently, and also as part of a team. A second major component of this position is to assist in conducting molecular analyses that will complement behavioral studies. A third component of this position is to assist in maintaining the computer-generated data and to conduct standardized data analysis and graphing using computer software. The Research Technician will be required to keep detailed and accurate records of experimental test procedures and results, and present results to the PI. They will also assist with maintaining budgets, ordering laboratory supplies and keeping accurate inventory.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Required Qualifications Include:
* Prior laboratory experience including relevant experience in laboratory rodent handling.
* Ability to ensure quality control of data collection, and maintaining organized data files.
* Ability to maintain inventory of equipment, supplies, and related research materials.
* Must be able to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
* Excellent interpersonal communication skills are essential.

Experience conducting behavioral experiments in rodents is preferred as is working with rodent brain tissue, including microtome sectioning, immunohistochemistry processing and quantification, Western blots or RT- PCR.

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.