Research Technician

Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm

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.

The Institute of Global Health and Infectious and Division of Infectious Disease develop ongoing clinical, educational and research programs directed toward the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The Institute and Division's goals include coordinating and conducting basic and applied research in infectious diseases and fostering collaboration among other investigators and researchers; improving clinical care in infectious diseases, including activities related to management of HIV and other infectious diseases; activities related to emerging pathogens, international health, and clinical outreach and infectious disease prevention activities, including a focus on vaccine development and vaccination practices. UNC HIV Cure Center is focused on the discovery, development, and implementation of new treatments to allow durable treatment-free remission of HIV infection (cure).

The UNC HIV Cure Center is searching for a skilled research technician to work with the Center scientists and faculty and to provide support for the projects of the Center. The focus of the research is the study of HIV persistence (latency mechanisms, immune response, drug development, viral clearance, novel assays, approaches, and therapeutics).
The research includes studies of chromatin regulators involved in the maintenance of HIV latency, the testing in vitro and ex vivo testing of small inhibitory molecules aimed at reversal of HIV latency, and evaluation of mechanism of action.

The candidate will be expected to conduct experiments independently under the direction of the principal investigator (PI). The project goals and experimental plan will be defined by discussions with the PI and the candidate will be expected to work with the PI and other laboratory researchers to assist in designing experiments and protocols to execute project goals. Experiments will include the use of following techniques and skill sets: cell culture under aseptic conditions, RNA and DNA extraction, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, western blotting, ELISAs, plasmid preparation, flow cytometry, next gen sequencing, and CRISPR/Cas9.

The candidate will also provide support to Cure Center members working in the lab by assisting with common laboratory duties and assays when necessary. Candidate will work with the PI and collaborators in the publication and presentation of research findings.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Candidates must possess basic knowledge of cell biology and molecular biology. Skills include practice with aseptic tissue culturing skills for cell lines and general understanding with standard molecular biology techniques such as bacterial culture, PCR, nucleic acid isolation, and the ability to prepare standard media, reagents, and chemical solutions. The candidate must be able to effectively record data and be able to perform basic mathematical calculations.

The candidate must have strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; and must have the ability to work independently with guidance from the PI and senior scientific leadership.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Experience working with HIV or other transmitted pathogens and viruses is preferred. Full-time lab experience in microbiology, immunology or molecular biology experience is preferred. Experience in working under BSL2 conditions; western blotting; PCR; ELISA; bacterial culture/plasmid isolation; flow cytometry; and/or data acquisition/analysis is preferred.

Candidate must possess flexibility, mobility and strength to move and access research samples, reagents, and supplies. Needs to have the physical ability to perform many varied tasks, i.e. fine motor skills, excellent hand-eye coordination, and a high level of concentration to do challenging and detailed technical work. This position will be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and hazardous materials.

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.