Lai Lab Research Technician

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lai lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a full‑time Research Technician to support in‑vivo projects across antibody and viral vector engineering, immune cell engineering, and gut microbiome work. The role focuses on animal studies, with potential lead responsibilities for specific in‑vivo experiments.

Responsibilities include coordinating protocols, performing dosing via various routes, collecting data, and ensuring regulatory compliance in a fast‑paced research

Qualifications

• Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Responsibilities

• Execute complex in‑vivo studies according to approved IACUC protocols and study plans.
• Dosing and administration via multiple routes (PO, IV, IP, SC, IM, IN) with monitoring for adverse reactions.
• Maintain meticulous records of animal activities, housing, treatments and outcomes for audit readiness.

Job description

Position Overview

• Position Title: Lai Lab Research Technician
• Position Number: 20078103
• Vacancy ID: S027963
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range: $25.00 - $34.96 per hour
• Employment Type: Temporary Staff (SHRA)
• Contract: Full-Time Temporary
• Hours per week: 40
• Estimated Duration of Appointment: 6 months or longer

About the University

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 the Unit

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.

Position Summary

The Lai lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a full‑time Research Technician to support various ongoing projects in the lab spanning antibody engineering, viral vector engineering, immune cell engineering and/or gut microbiome engineering. Disease applications will predominantly encompass different cancers (lymphoma, various solid tumors including ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer and glioblastoma), different infectious disease (BSL‑2 only, such as RSV, hMPV, influenza), and different inflammatory conditions (e.g. IBD). The Research Technician (Animal Studies) will predominantly focus on supporting various animal studies and may be requested to lead specific in‑vivo studies depending on performance. The work will involve working collaboratively with multiple lab members within the lab and lab collaborators. Please see list of key responsibilities below.

Key Responsibilities

1. Experimental Execution & Data Collection
   • Study Protocol Adherence: Execute complex in‑vivo studies according to approved IACUC protocols, ensuring all procedures are performed exactly as specified.
   • Dosing & Administration: Perform precise administration of experimental compounds or vehicles using various routes (e.g., PO, IV, IP, SC, IM, IN) while monitoring for localized adverse reactions.
   • Physiological Monitoring: Conduct longitudinal assessments, including serial blood collection, body weight tracking, clinical scoring, and behavioural observations.
   • Sample Processing: Execute necropsy and tissue collection procedures with technical proficiency, ensuring proper labeling, preservation (e.g., snap‑freezing in liquid nitrogen, formalin fixation), and documentation for downstream analysis.
2. Animal Welfare & Regulatory Compliance
   • Clinical Assessment: Perform daily health checks to monitor for signs of distress, morbidity, or pain, ensuring immediate reporting and intervention according to the study's humane endpoints.
   • Husbandry Standards: Maintain rigorous environmental controls (e.g., temperature, humidity, lighting, and cage sanitation) in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
   • Maintain mouse colonies as needed.
   • Order animals.
   • Record Keeping: Maintain meticulous, real‑time records of all animal activities, including census logs, breeding records, treatment administration, and adverse event reports to ensure audit readiness.
3. Technical & Laboratory Operations
   • Instrumentation: As needed, utilize instruments available at core facilities (e.g. IVIS) to perform live animal imaging. In addition, help prepare samples for in‑vitro assessments such as flow cytometry.
   • Inventory Oversight: Manage stocks of specialized supplies, including anesthetics, surgical consumables, and study‑specific reagents, ensuring quality control and appropriate expiration tracking.
   • Sterile Technique: Maintain high standards of aseptic technique for all surgical procedures and when handling sensitive animal models to prevent cross‑contamination or infection.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences

Demonstrated hands‑on experience conducting rodent in vivo studies, including animal handling and restraint, establishment of orthotopic tumor models, dosing administration via multiple routes, blood collection, tissue harvesting, or clinical monitoring.
Experience establishing and managing animal models, particularly mouse and hamster models, for various cancers or respiratory viral infections.
Skilled in performing complex animal procedures, including necropsy and specimen collection, pharmacokinetic sample collection, and clinical scoring, while maintaining compliance with institutional, regulatory, or animal care protocols.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Proven ability to thrive in a fast‑paced research environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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