Research Specialist

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 24 Feb 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department Epidemiology - 463501
Career Area Research Professionals
Posting Open Date 02/21/2024
Application Deadline 02/24/2024
Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Research Specialist
Position Number 20062417
Vacancy ID S022706
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Dependent on Qualifications
Proposed Start Date
Estimated Duration of Appointment 6 months not to exceed 11 months

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 that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Department of Epidemiology is one of the seven departments located in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The department’s primary focus is to the development and application of research methods to understand the patterns and causes of health and disease, and the application of that knowledge to improving the health of populations. We provide strong training in research methods and opportunities for the application of epidemiology to a wide range of health problems through our research. The achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have enabled us to become one of the leading academic departments of epidemiology in the world. The department has 30 Tenured-Tenure Track / 7 Joint Tenure-Track Faculty, 25 Fixed Term / 3 Joint Fixed Term Faculty, 120 Adjuncts, 19 EHRA Non-Faculty, 15 Postdocs, 34 SHRA (Staff), 44 SHRA Temporary and 202 Students. The department’s operating budget is 27 million a year.
Position Summary
The primary purpose of this position is to perform all activities required for the everyday running of the BioSpecimen Processing Core Facility (BSP), including but not limited to the following, extraction of DNA and RNA from human biospecimens, quantitating, normalizing, and performing quality checks on extracted nucleic acids, and plating samples for high through-put sequencing. The BSP also processes and stores additional human biospecimens such as plasma, serum, urine, sputum, and other for non-genetic analytical tests. Additional responsibilities will include researching, and validation of new processing protocols. All activities in this core facility must be performed under the guidelines of a College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited repository. Under these guidelines this position requires the performance of and documentation of equipment maintenance, writing and reviewing processing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and administrative tasks as necessary. This position also requires direct communication with customers and project principal investigators (PIs) to coordinate sample receipt and product/data deliverables.
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
* Experience using robotic equipment in a high throughput environment.
* Knowledge of research and regulatory standards to maintain a high throughput, HIPAA-regulated, SOP-driven, CAP accredited laboratory environment.
* Knowledge of safe blood work procedures and experience working with human biospecimens in a biosafety level two lab
* Skills and experience to adhere to and to master multiple standard operating procedures/protocols and to work independently.
* Advanced micro and serological pipetting skills
* Ability to troubleshoot and research as necessary problems/inconsistencies and modify procedures as necessary including updating SOPs.
* Knowledge and ability to design and implement new procedures into the facilities workflow based on current methods described in the literature.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
* 2-4 years of experience using molecular biology techniques
* 1-2 years experience working in a high throughput laboratory.
* Experience working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
* Ability to work with PI and project staff to establish BSP study initiation documents outlining work that will be performed.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
* Ability to lift 50lbs (for transfer of dry ice shipments as well as removing and restoring full freezer racks) with or without reasonable accommodations.
* Ability to work with dry ice, -80 C and Liquid Nitrogen freezers using appropriate personal protective equipment.
* Ability to move Liquid Nitrogen tanks on carts and un-hook and re-hook tanks to fill hoses
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/275182
Temporary Employment Policies
Temporary Employment Policies

Posting 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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