Research Technician

Monday - 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.

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 Kovalski lab in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics in conjunction with the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is recruiting a full-time Research Technician. In the Kovalski lab, we use a systems-level approach to identify the functional molecular mechanisms of post-transcriptional control in cancer. We are very interested in how specific proteins are expressed at the proper time and place in cancer through the process of selective RNA translation. Our goal is to use this knowledge to identify new therapeutic targets to combat cancer.

The Research Technician will work on specific projects in RNA biology and cancer and will have the unique opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment, with the possibility of publishing in a high-impact journal. The position duties include performing molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, plasmid preparation, basic cloning, flow cytometry, NGS library prep and analysis, gel electrophoresis, tissue culture, western blotting, RNA isolation and qPCR. Additional duties will include scientific writing, organization of data appropriate to the role in the lab, record keeping and data entry, active participation in group meetings and shared lab responsibilities including reagent preparation, inventory maintenance, and safety compliance.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

* Previous (or in process) coursework in molecular biology, genetics, or biochemistry.
* Previous independent laboratory experience outside of coursework is mandatory.
* Applicant must have (or in process of obtaining) experience working with at least two of the following techniques: mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, protein biochemistry, mouse handling or next-generation sequencing and analysis.
* Must be highly motivated, clearly demonstrate a passion for scientific research, and must exhibit a strong commitment to perform scientific research.
* Must be an effective communicator, detail-oriented and organized, able to take the initiative to address research issues.
* Must be able to work independently and collaborate well with other members of the lab.
* Must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures and data and to archive, label, and document graphic and tabular data for publication, proposals, and/or presentations.
* Highly capable of prioritizing tasks, coordinating work tasks with others, and meeting multiple deadlines.
* All requirements must be met by the start date.
* Candidate's CV or cover letter must state qualifications (or if pending) upon submission.

* Experience in next-generation sequencing and analysis, bioinformatics skills, RNA biology and experience with handling mice is highly preferred.
* Proficiency in MS Office and Adobe software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Illustrator.
* Candidates interested in gaining additional research experience to strengthen a future application to graduate school are encouraged to apply.

* Requires handling of potentially hazardous chemicals and biological materials.
* Frequent lifting and carrying of boxes up to 25 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodations.
* Frequently performing repetitive hand and arm motions while pipetting.

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.