Research Technician

Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week

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

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

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.

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 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 prepare tomorrow`s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.

The primary purpose of the position is to carry out cellular and molecular biology assays. This includes, but is not limited to, the passage of cell lines, flow cytometry assays, treatment of cell lines with small molecules, RNA isolation, quantitative-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction experiments, protein isolation, ELISA and western blotting. The position will also entail assisting in the processing of biological samples from patients entering one of the UNC Kidney Center's study cohorts. The individual will work in a collaborative network composed of physicians, PhDs, nurses, research personnel, and patients. 'Hands on' processing of biological samples (including blood and urine) is required. Sample processing includes but is not limited to cell isolation, DNA and RNA isolation, preparation and extraction of samples for gel electrophoresis, ELISA, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and other miscellaneous cellular, molecular and biochemical methods. The position will provide assistance organizing and storing reagents for sample processing. General laboratory duties such as cleaning, autoclaving, and preparation of stock solutions will be required as well. All requirements for laboratory safety in handling blood borne pathogens and HIPAA compliance must be kept current.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

* Experience in hands-on research
* Experience in immunological techniques including SDS- PAGE Western Blotting, cell culture, functional immune assays, RNA isolation, lentivirus production, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, and ELISA's are strongly preferred.
* Prior laboratory experience working with cell culture and with human PBMCs is highly desirable.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Must be able to work and communicate with diverse populations effectively and professionally.

Ability to travel from the laboratory in Burnett-Womack to the outreach area of McLendon Labs in the UNC hospital several times a day to transport samples received from Eastowne for processing and storage. May occasionally require travel from main campus to clinics at Eastowne and vice versa. This position requires flexibility in work hours to accommodate processing of patient samples that may arrive after 5 pm particularly on Tuesday clinic days and some weekend time to assist in multi-day experimental protocols. The candidate must have the ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

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 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.