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 20062418
Vacancy ID S022707
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 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 purpose of this position is to provide laboratory research support for the general operation of the BioSpecimen Processing (BSP) University-wide, College of American Pathologist (CAP) accredited core facility. An organized and detail-oriented individual who will need to perform molecular biology and general laboratory techniques to fulfill the requirements of this position. A major component of the work will be processing human biospecimen samples manually or on automated high-throughput pieces of equipment. Specifically, the position will involve extraction of DNA and RNA from biospecimens, quantitation and quality analysis of extracted specimens, aliquoting, and storage of biospecimens. Use of a computer-based specimen inventory and tracking system to detail receipt, processing, aliquoting, storage and distribution of all specimens will be required. All tasks must be performed successfully in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory environment following strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with adherence to tight deadlines.
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
* Mastery of manual hand-held and serological pipetting techniques.
* Experience with general molecular biology techniques and sterile tissue culture techniques.
* Skills and experience adhering to and mastering of multiple Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 
* Ability to work independently.
* This position requires strict attention to detail and a highly organized work ethic.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
* 1-3 years of experience working in a SOP-driven laboratory environment.
* Experience working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
* Familiarity with commonly used laboratory equipment including single- and multi-channel pipettes, centrifuge, laminar flow hoods, autoclaves, and spectrophotometers.
* Knowledge of safe blood work procedures and experience working with human biospecimens in a biosafety level-two laboratory.
* Knowledge of research and regulatory standards to maintain a high throughput, HIPAA-regulated, SOP- driven laboratory environment.
* Experience using robotic equipment in a high throughput environment.
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 accommodation.
* 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/275189
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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