Research Associate

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Thaxton Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a highly motivated PhD-level Research Specialist to lead and support innovative research at the intersection of cell biology, metabolism, and tumor immunity.

Ideal candidates bring strong expertise in fluorescence microscopy, cell biology, and multi-omic data analysis, and enjoy collaborating across a vibrant UNC research community while pursuing mechanistic discovery.

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree with 0-2 years' experience or equivalent.
• Strong publication record and evidence of scientific creativity and productivity.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support innovative research at the intersection of cell biology, metabolism, and tumor immunity.
• Serve as the laboratory’s scientific resource in advanced cell biology, microscopy, imaging analysis, immunology and multi-omic data interpretation.

Skills

Advanced fluorescence microscopy

Imaging analysis

Cell biology

Molecular biology

Bioinformatics

Large omics datasets

Metabolism

Immunology

Education

Master's or Bachelor's degree

Tools

Spectral flow cytometry

Microscopy software

Job description

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

Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.
Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We prepare tomorrow's healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.
Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.

Position Summary

The Thaxton Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a highly motivated PhD-level Research Specialist to lead and support innovative research at the intersection of cell biology, metabolism, and tumor immunity.
Our laboratory studies the intersection of cell biology, metabolism, and tumor immunity, with a particular focus on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) biology. Projects in the laboratory integrate mechanistic cell biology with translational cancer research using advanced microscopy, molecular biology, metabolomics, spectral flow cytometry and functional cellular approaches.
We are seeking a highly independent and technically strong scientist with deep expertise in microscopy and cell biology and/ or immunology who is excited to drive mechanistic discovery in a collaborative and intellectually rigorous environment. This individual will serve as the laboratory’s and collaborative research program’s scientific resource in advanced cell biology, microscopy, imaging analysis, immunology and/ or multi-omic data interpretation.
This senior scientist will support multiple NIH - and foundation-funded research programs, including R01CA310022A, R01CA288976A1, and R01CA305975A1. The position will provide specialized expertise in cell biology, advanced microscopy, quantitative imaging, immunology and/ or analysis of multi-omic datasets while supporting collaborative projects across the UNC research community.
Candidates should have strong expertise in several of the following areas:
* Advanced fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
* Cell biology and organelle biology
* Molecular biology and cloning
* Bioinformatics or computational analysis experience
* Experience working with large imaging or omics datasets (proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, spatial transcriptomics)
* Cellular metabolism and stress biology
* Biochemistry and protein analysis techniques
* Immunology

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Must have strong publication record and evidence of scientific creativity and productivity
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Advanced fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
• Cell biology and organelle biology
• Molecular biology and cloning
• Bioinformatics or computational analysis experience
• Experience working with large imaging or omics datasets
• Tissue culture and mammalian cell engineering
• Cellular metabolism and stress biology
• Biochemistry and protein analysis techniques

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Department Contact Telephone or Email

[e-mail]

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

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or mostly closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
  • Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
  • None of the above
• * Please describe your publication record.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please share examples of how you apply your communication and organizational skills in a professional setting.

  (Open Ended Question)