Research Assistant

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Soc/Clin Research Assistant to support the ADAPT trial, an NIH-funded study on marine lipid precursors in adults with TMD-related pain. The role involves recruitment, scheduling, enrollment, and specimen handling under GCP guidelines.

The position supports data collection, documentation, and coordination with investigators and staff, with occasional evening or early morning hours to fit participant visits. Bachelor’s degree required.

Qualifications

• Experience working in clinical research, healthcare, or human subjects research settings.
• Experience supporting participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, retention, and study coordination activities.
• Experience collecting, processing, storing, and shipping biological specimens in accordance with study protocols and safety requirements.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, human subjects research requirements, and clinical research documentation and confidentiality practices.
• Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills with diverse participants, faculty, staff, and clinical personnel.

Responsibilities

• Assist with participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, enrollment, and retention.
• Distribute and post IRB-approved recruitment materials.
• Prepare study materials for participant visits and assist with standardized assessments.
• Provide operational support during visits and study activities, with occasional extended hours.
• Collect, process, store, and ship specimens per study protocols; act as backup phlebotomist.
• Support data collection, data entry, study records maintenance, and material preparation for operations.

Skills

Clinical research

Recruitment coordination

Specimen handling

GCP knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Position Title Soc/Clin Research Assistant - Contributing

Salary Grade Equivalent

Salary Grade Equivalent NC07 / GN06

Working Title

Working Title Research Assistant

Position Number

Position Number 20077137

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID P021318

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Time-Limited

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment Up to 3 years

Hours per week 40

Work Schedule

Full-time (40 hours/week), Monday–Friday, generally 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Flexibility required for occasional early morning or evening participant visits and recruitment activities.

Work Location

Work Location CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range

Hiring Range $45,000–$52,959 annually, commensurate with education and experience

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

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 for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The UNC Adams School of Dentistry Division of Pediatric and Public Health provides oral health care for individuals from infancy through adolescence, and promotes the prevention of oral disease.

Position Summary

This position serves as the Research Assistant for the ADAPT clinical trial, an NIH -funded, randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled study investigating marine lipid precursors of specialized pro-resolving mediators in adults with chronic temporomandibular disorder ( TMD )-related pain.

The Research Assistant supports the day-to-day conduct of study activities in accordance with the approved protocol, institutional policies, and applicable Federal regulations governing human subjects research. Primary responsibilities include assisting with participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, enrollment, and retention; distributing and posting IRB -approved recruitment materials; preparing study materials for participant visits; assisting with standardized clinical assessment procedures following training and calibration; and providing operational support to the Clinical Research Coordinator during participant visits and other study activities. Occasional work outside of standard business hours (including early mornings or evenings) may be required to accommodate participant scheduling and study visits.

The position is responsible for collecting, processing, storing, and shipping biological specimens in accordance with study protocols and laboratory procedures and serves as a backup phlebotomist for the study. Additional responsibilities include supporting accurate study data collection, data entry, maintenance of study records and participant tracking systems, and preparation of study materials and administrative documentation necessary for efficient study operations.

Working under the direction of the Clinical Operations Lead, the Research Assistant collaborates closely with the Clinical Research Coordinator, investigators, clinical staff, laboratory personnel, and study participants to ensure study activities are conducted in compliance with protocol requirements, Good Clinical Practice ( GCP ) guidelines, and human subjects protection requirements.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences

• Experience working in clinical research, healthcare, or other human subjects research settings.
• Experience supporting participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, retention, and other study coordination activities.
• Experience collecting, processing, storing, and shipping biological specimens in accordance with established research protocols and safety requirements.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice ( GCP ) guidelines, human subjects research requirements, and clinical research documentation and confidentiality practices.
• Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse study participants, faculty, staff, and clinical personnel; manage multiple concurrent responsibilities with accuracy and attention to detail; maintain confidential research and clinical information; and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, and occasionally lift or transport study materials and laboratory supplies during participant visits and recruitment activities.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Laboratory

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 [phone] 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.

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.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

• Certification/licenses
• Degree Transcripts

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Social/Clinical Research Assistant position.
  • Bachelor's, Master's, and/or Doctorate in any field.
  • Associate's in any field and at least 2 years of experience.
  • Combination of post-high school education and experience to equal at least 4 years of related experience (ex: 1 year towards a degree and 3 years of experience).
  • High School diploma/GED and at least 4 years of related experience.
  • Did not complete high school but have a combination of high school education and experience to equal 8 years. (ex. 3 years of high school and 5 years of experience).
  • None of the above
• * Please describe your experience performing venipuncture and processing biological specimens in a clinical or research setting.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe your experience maintaining accurate research records, laboratory documentation, or electronic databases.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe your experience interacting with research participants or patients and your role in participant recruitment, scheduling, or retention.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe your experience following standardized research protocols, laboratory procedures, or quality assurance procedures.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe why you are interested in working on an NIH-funded clinical trial involving chronic pain research.

  (Open Ended Question)