Research Associate

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 24 Jan 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department Cell Biology and Physiology-422001
Career Area Research Professionals
Posting Open Date 01/03/2024
Application Deadline 01/24/2024
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Research Associate
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20061356
Vacancy ID NF0007679
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Dependent Upon Qualifications
Proposed Start Date 02/05/2024

Position Information


Be a Tar Heel!
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.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Department of Cell Biology and Physiology is a broad and interdisciplinary basic science department in the School of Medicine at UNC-CH. As a top-ranked, nationally recognized leader in basic science research, our faculty and staff are engaged in innovative and cutting-edge research in the areas of neuroscience, cardiovascular biology, cellular cytoskeleton, cell motility and imaging. The Department houses one PhD program: the Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum in which there are currently enrolled 48 PhD candidates. The Department has approximately 55 faculty engaged in basic science research, education, and national service. Many faculty and their laboratories provide training for undergraduate and postgraduate trainees in the biomedical sciences. The department also has 2 Core Facilities to expedite the mission of our researchers. 
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. 
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be the nation’s leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.
OUR MISSION
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 will 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 will prepare tomorrow’s health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.
Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.
Position Summary
The primary purpose of this Research Associate position is to support the Hooker Imaging Core (HIC) facility in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology in variety of Electron Microscopy applications. 
The main duties of this position are to work with a dynamic group of faculty and researchers to process samples for conventional Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and cryo-TEM within the core facility independently. This position will serve as an expert in conducting specialized microscopy techniques/procedures. The samples will be prepared in a fee-for-service manner consistent with other core facilities. We expect that overall the effort will be divided between conventional and cryogenic samples, although effort will depend on the project focus presented by the researchers. 
Responsibilities will also include providing expert training and supervision to users within the electron microscopy community at UNC, ensuring proper use of the imaging systems and equipment, assisting researchers with developing research plans for image acquisition and sample preparation, and assisting with managing the recharge collection and administrative functions of the core facility. The incumbent in this position will demonstrate their ability to use research literature to design detailed experimental methods and techniques. 
Work includes negative stain and thin-section TEM for conventional samples and a major emphasis will be placed on the screening of samples destined to be analyzed by cryo-TEM on the FEI Talos Arctica 200 kV instrument in the cryo-TEM core. In addition to managing all aspects of EM service for the core, this position will also provide support to the light microscopy (LM) services provided by the core, as determined by the HIC Director and position Supervisor.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience in processing/preparing samples for electron microscopy. Demonstrated expertise with independent operation of the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) TEM.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Three years’ experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology or a related field is strongly preferred. Advanced degree and/or knowledge in single particle analysis cyro-EM. Prior lab management experience preferred.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/272120

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title Matthew Tucci HR Consultant
Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected]
Office of Human Resources Contact Information

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 [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
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, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.


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