Lead Researcher

University of North Carolina, United States

Updated: about 1 year ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 18 Apr 2023

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department Marsico Lung Inst - CF Center-426401
Career Area Research Professionals
Is this an internal only recruitment? No
Posting Open Date 03/29/2023
Application Deadline 04/18/2023
Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Research Specialist - Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalent GN13
Working Title Lead Researcher
Position Number 00056402
Vacancy ID P017176
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent
If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Work Location Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $61,450 - $80,000
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet .

Position Summary Information


Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
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 purpose of this position is to perform biological experiments in cell and mouse models to better understand lung disease pathogenesis and identify novel therapeutics.
The main research activities include experimental design, execution and troubleshooting; research data analysis and reporting; lab management, inventory and basic administrative duties; and assisting the PI with coordinating lab activities and training. Specifically, research activities will encompass: (1) advanced techniques of tissue culture of mammalian primary cells and establishing new cell lines by molecular biological and genetic manipulation as well as preparation and inventory of tissue culture reagents; (2) pharmacological and biochemical assays in live cell cultures aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets for lung diseases; (3) advanced molecular biology techniques; (4) assisting in the basic maintenance of laboratory equipment and the electronic inventory of laboratory supplies and mouse colonies.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
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, Competencies, and Experience
The applicant should have a comfortable understanding of cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and math concepts. 
The individual must be able to accurately carryout a variety of experimental protocols, that include the following: (1) strong experience in mammal cell culture techniques, including primary cell production and maintenance, specialized growing media preparation, use of different growing platforms and supports, use of aseptic techniques and bsl2 safety cabinet; (2) profound knowledge and experience of advance molecular biology techniques including isolation of RNA/DNA and analysis of gene expression using different experimental platforms and techniques, knowledge and experience selecting and ordering the adequate reagents for specialized experiments; (3) deep knowledge of and experience with biochemical techniques tasked to identify and purify proteins, analysis of cellular protein levels using different technologies, knowledge and experience to prepare chemical reagents (including calculations, solubility, solvents, preparation protocols, and pH); 4) strong experience in biochemical /pharmacological assays in live mammalian cell cultures including experimental design, reagent preparation, work in sterile conditions in bsl2 safety cabinets, live cell sampling and monitoring using different technologies; (5) ability to design experiments, analyze and interpret data, troubleshooting of unexpected results and maintain updated and detailed written and computerized records of laboratory procedures; (6) conforming to University and Federal regulations for safety and working in a diverse academic institution. 
The position entails interpersonal interactions and communications with the PI and other members of the lab and the CF Center including students, postdocs, technicians, and faculty to ensure an effective work environment and the transfer of research results.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Prefer applicant with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry and at least 4 years of relevant laboratory experience or Master’s degree or higher in Biology or Chemistry and at least two years of relevant laboratory experience. Prefer applicant with the following attributes: (1) exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills and the ability to follow detailed protocols precisely, learn new techniques and derive information and novel procedures from the literature; (2) ability to work closely with other researchers, train and supervise students or new members of the laboratory staff and excellent interpersonal communication skills; (3) ability to derive information and novel procedures from the literature; (4) ability to update /maintain mouse protocols, IRB protocols, and lab safety plan, and assist with laboratory inspections; (5) Knowledge and experience of advance molecular biology techniques, including isolation of DNA/RNA, to create reporter cell lines to test therapeutic gene therapy/editing approaches, advanced knowledge and experience using genomic/transcriptome search engines and data bases to design new reporter genes/min-genes and to analyze data, ability to isolate RNA/DNA and analyze gene expression using different experimental platforms and techniques, and knowledge and experience selecting and ordering the adequate reagents for specialized experiments.
Required Licenses/Certifications
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Attention to details. Wet bench research requiring extensive pipetting, visual accuracy, attention to detail, working simultaneously with multiple specimens; handling and disposal of biohazards.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Laboratory, Night work occasionally, Overtime occasionally, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally
Special Instructions
NOTE TO APPLICANTS: This is a highly specialized role. Your response to all supplemental questions is required to be considered for this position.
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/253133

Contact Information


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, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

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