Research Specialist - Clinical Pharmacology and Analytical Chemistry (CPAC) Laboratory

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School’s Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/oe/strategic-plan/).

Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world’s most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.

The Clinical Pharmacology and Analytical Chemistry (CPAC) Laboratory, within the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, is an internationally recognized lab focused on facilitating the development of safe, effective strategies for HIV prevention, treatment, and cure. The group comprises clinical, translational, and bioanalytical scientists dedicated to conducting preclinical and clinical pharmacology research on current and investigational new drugs to optimize drug therapy outcomes. Central to this work is the quantitative analysis of small molecules in a variety of biological matrices using mass spectrometry. In addition to traditional LC-MS methods, we implement a unique approach for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) that can measure the spatial distributions of target analytes to better understand drug penetration.

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is seeking a qualified analytical chemist for a full-time position as a research specialist within the CPAC Laboratory. The primary purpose of this position is to analyze biological samples for drug and endogenous compound concentrations, primarily by infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) MSI. These analyses support the grants and contracts of the CPAC lab, the UNC Center for AIDS Research, and the UNC CARE Collaboratory for Eradication of HIV.

Responsibilities of this position include:

• Independently performing timely, accurate and precise sample analysis by IR-MALDESI MSI using developed bioanalytical methods of drug or endogenous compound concentrations in animal and human biological matrices.
• Performing experimental data reduction and visualization of mass spectrometry imaging output using developed workflows. This includes making deductions from resulting data and preparing detailed findings on results for quality assurance review and approval.
• Preparing stock solutions, calibrations standards, and QC samples for bioanalytical assays.
• Maintaining up-to-date laboratory records and documentation.
• Ensuring IR-MALDESI MSI equipment maintenance is up to date and managing supply levels for consumables.
• Participating in method qualification and validation activities for new assays.

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.

* Laboratory experience, preferably in pharmacology or biomedical research
* Understanding of mass spectrometry.
* Ability to identify research objectives, methods and quality control measures based on scientific literature.
* Ability to monitor and collect research data to assess bioanalytical analyses accuracy, validity and integrity.
* Capable of supporting multiple project timelines simultaneously through excellent organizational skills
* Accurate and detailed record-keeping practices
* Proficiency with MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
* Ability to clearly and concisely convey information verbally and in written form.

* Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot/optimize experimental processes based on interpretation of preliminary data
* Working experience in a GLP environment and experience in a BSL2 setting, with a demonstrated safety record.
* Experience with mass spectrometry imaging and the operation and maintenance of mass spectrometers, especially Thermo Orbitraps.
* Knowledge of LC-MS/MS sample preparation and extraction
* Experience with microtomy and cryosectioning.
* Experience with image analysis and image correlation,
* Competency with interpretation and evaluation of scientific results and performing statistical analyses on data, and preparing reports and presentations
* Competency in scientific writing, including preparation of reports, and preparation of oral presentations,

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