Research Tech - Microbial Evolution

University of North Carolina, United States

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 12 Jan 2022

Posting Information
Department Biology - 318200
Career Area Research Professionals
Posting Open Date 01/06/2022
Application Deadline 01/12/2022
Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Research Tech - Microbial Evolution
Position Number 20006073
Vacancy ID S018870
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
9am – 5pm Monday – Friday
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $15 - $20/per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
Proposed Start Date 01/24/2022
Estimated Duration of Appointment 6 months not to exceed 11 months

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Department of Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill is dedicated to the acquisition and dissemination of new and existing knowledge in the broad discipline of Biology. This will be accomplished by establishing and maintaining a high quality, research-active faculty who are committed to the research mission of UNC-Chapel Hill as evidenced by scholarly publication, the establishment of well-funded research programs and an exemplary overall international reputation. In addition, the faculty will demonstrate dedication to outstanding teaching of both undergraduate and graduate students in both classroom and laboratory settings. We seek to maintain and build the excellence of our program to provide the citizens of North Carolina with access to exceptional scientific scholarship, innovative research, first-rate training of our future scientists and the distribution of a basic knowledge of Biology to the UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate population without regard to their choice of major discipline. The Department of Biology has approximately 2449 undergraduate majors, 100 graduate students, 40 post docs, 67 faculty, 20 administrative and general support positions, and 20 research positions.
Research in the Burch lab combines tools from microbiology and molecular biology to investigate longstanding questions in evolutionary biology. Read more about our work at https://burch.web.unc.edu/research/.
Position Summary
The Burch Lab is seeking to hire a research technician to 1) conduct evolution experiments in which they will monitor populations of bacteriophage (viruses that infect bacteria) as they adapt to new host bacteria, temperatures, or drugs and 2) coordinate the overall research efforts ongoing in the lab.
We are seeking an individual with interests in microbiology and/or evolution to work together with other lab personnel to ensure the continuous culturing of bacteria and bacteriophage in ongoing evolution experiments. The technician will be expected to monitor the availability of growth media and other needed materials, but delegate most of the chores to other lab personnel so the technician can focus most of their time on moving experiments forward. The job will require meticulous organization and attention to detail, including maintenance of a hard copy of all procedures and all data every day in a bound laboratory notebook. Periodically, as the evolution experiments progress, the technician will sequence bacteriophage genomes and measure bacteriophage phenotypes. Past experience in a microbiology or molecular biology lab is desirable, but not required. Training in all methods will be provided on the job, but the technician will be expected to train and supervise new lab members in these methods as their skills grow.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Must be able to demonstrate quantitative abilities essential for making laboratory solutions, calculating DNA and protein concentrations in different units, and performing serial dilutions of bacterial cultures. Must have a work history that demonstrates a productive work ethic, reliability, and ability to work as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
The job requires good dexterity of the fingers and hands as the primary task is pipetting of small volumes into small test tubes.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/219169
Temporary Employment Policies
Temporary Employment Policies

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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