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 Chemistry Department is one of the largest and most complex departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. There are 50 faculty members, 44 SHRA and 37 EHRA staff positions, 260 graduate students, 37 postdoctoral research associates, 700 undergraduate majors, and an annual total of approximately 10,000 registrations by all students in classroom and laboratory courses. The Department is housed in five buildings with over 580,000 sq. feet of space. The faculty participate in teaching assignments which involve an average of 200 students per faculty member per semester. The majority of faculty are research active and supervise graduate students working on their Masters or Ph.D. degrees, undergraduate students carrying out independent research and honors programs, research technicians and postdoctoral research associates. Primarily the research is funded by federal and private agencies such as NSF, NIH, Army, Navy, DOE, PRF and involves expenditures of more than nineteen million dollars annually. A total of over thirty-two million dollars from all sources is expended annually in the Department.

We are seeking a post-baccalaureate research assistant to support ongoing projects involving mass spectrometry-based analysis of biological samples. This position is ideal for individuals planning to pursue graduate or professional school who are interested in gaining hands-on experience in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or biomedical research. The candidate will work closely with research staff and faculty to perform sample preparation, operate mass spectrometry instrumentation, and assist with data analysis in a collaborative laboratory environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Prepare biological samples (e.g., tissues, plasma, cells) for mass spectrometry analysis
Assist in operation and maintenance of LC-MS/MS systems (e.g., QQQ, Orbitrap, or similar platforms)
Perform routine instrument calibration, troubleshooting, and quality control checks
Process and analyze mass spectrometry data using appropriate software tools
Maintain detailed experimental records and documentation
Assist with method development and optimization (e.g., lipidomics, metabolomics, or targeted assays)
Contribute to lab organization, reagent preparation, and general lab upkeep
Participate in lab meetings and contribute to scientific discussions

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Course work in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related field
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
Ability to follow detailed protocols to maintain accurate records
Willingness to learn new techniques in a team environment
Prior experience with mass spectrometry, chromatography (LC/GC), or analytical chemistry techniques

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.