Research Technician

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

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 Flow Cytometry Core Research Technician supports the operation of a shared research facility serving investigators, staff, and trainees. This position performs standardized laboratory procedures and technical services involving operation, quality control, maintenance, and troubleshooting of flow cytometry instrumentation. Responsibilities include user support, instrument startup and shutdown procedures, routine quality assurance activities, inventory management, training coordination, and routine cell sorting and data acquisition services.

The position provides technical guidance to core users, conducts onboarding and training activities, and ensures compliance with established standard operating procedures, laboratory safety requirements, and quality standards. The employee is expected to recognize and resolve routine instrument issues, respond to common instrument alerts, maintain accurate records, and support the efficient day-to-day operation of the Flow Cytometry Core Facility. Work is performed with limited supervision on established procedures and under guidance for non-routine or complex technical activities.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

1. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse user populations.
2. Demonstrated aptitude for learning new technologies, scientific concepts, and technical procedures; experience with flow cytometry or other complex laboratory instrumentation is preferred but not required.
3. Experience providing technical instruction, user training, coaching, or customer support in a research, laboratory, healthcare, educational, or technical environment.
4. Demonstrated critical thinking and troubleshooting skills with the ability to independently apply established procedures to resolve routine technical issues.
5. Self-motivated individual with strong attention to detail, effective time-management skills, and experience maintaining operational records, inventories, equipment documentation, or other administrative systems.

Position requires the ability to operate laboratory instrumentation for extended periods while maintaining a high degree of attention to detail, accuracy, and concentration. Duties require visual focus for instrument monitoring, quality control assessment, troubleshooting activities, and review of technical information. The employee must be able to safely handle laboratory reagents, cleaning solutions, and biological materials while adhering to established biosafety, chemical safety, and laboratory procedures.
The position requires prolonged use of computers and laboratory software systems and may involve working at a computer workstation for the majority of the workday. Work is primarily performed in a laboratory and office environment that may have limited natural lighting. The employee must be able to effectively manage multiple priorities, respond to technical issues in a timely manner, and communicate professionally with a diverse research user community.
Physical requirements include the ability to stand or walk for extended periods, perform repetitive hand movements associated with instrument operation and maintenance, and move or transport laboratory supplies and materials. The employee must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Duties may include handling boxes of sheath fluid, reagents, consumables, and other supplies necessary for facility operations.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, interpersonal, and customer service skills are required to support users, provide training, maintain documentation, and ensure efficient operation of the Flow Cytometry Core Facility.

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.