Laboratory Research Specialist

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

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.

Marsico Lung Institute is seeking a Research Specialist to lead and support the initiatives of the CF Tissue Procurement and Cell Culture Core ('The Core') by generating and maintaining lung cell cultures for experimental use. This position requires expertise in diverse tissue culture procedures, including dissecting tissues, isolating, counting, and culturing cells, along with preparing custom media and supplements. The Research Specialist will meticulously document, interpret, and report experimental results, develop and maintain SOPs, and manage comprehensive records. Essential skills include proficiency in aseptic technique, tissue culture, laboratory equipment maintenance, and experimental design. Experience with flow cytometry, immune-based assays, and microscopy is desirable.

The Research Specialist will optimize cell cultures, proactively troubleshoot issues, and contribute to developing innovative in vitro models. A key aspect of this role involves supporting daily laboratory operations, such as managing supplies, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and verifying the functionality of equipment, including freezers and incubators. The Research Specialist will independently plan, develop, conduct, and evaluate scientific research projects, requiring a strong foundation in cell biology and current research practices. This position involves extensive interaction with UNC researchers and laboratory staff, physicians and clinical staff, tissue procurement personnel, and collaborating investigators. Exceptional communication skills are crucial for the accurate transfer of materials and knowledge and the effective summarization of research findings.

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required qualifications include:

* Basic science laboratory experience.
* Cell culture experience including:
- Competence with asceptic technique.
- Experience with tissue dissection, cell isolation, cell counting, cell culture husbandry, cryopreservation.
- Experience with media preparation.
* Excellence in organization, documentation, reporting, and communication including:
- Commitment to accurate and detailed record keeping.
- Experience with SOP and protocol development and revision.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Competence analyzing, summarizing, and presenting lab data.
* Competency in laboratory math skills (basic arithmetic and algebra, cell count and cell seeding calculations, unit conversions, understanding of scientific notation, dilution calculations, molarity calculations, etc.).
* Ability to independently plan, develop, conduct and evaluate scientific research to support Core initiatives.
* Self-motivated, resilient, and eager to learn.
* Additionally, the Research Specialist will be expected to demonstrate and model effective mental concentration, visual attention, and technical skills.

Preferred Qualifications include:

* Experience recording/entering research data into electronic data capture systems.
* Experience with flow cytometry, immune-based assays, and microscopy is desirable.

Effective mental concentration, visual attention, and technical skills are required.

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.