Research Associate

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Research Associate to support the Andermann Lab's gut microbiome studies in immunocompromised patients. The role involves laboratory work (DNA/RNA extraction, library prep) and data analysis (metagenomics, bioinformatics) under supervision.

Applicants should have a Master’s in Marine Sciences and Microbiology or related fields, strong English communication, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a multidisciplinary team at UNC.

Qualifications

• Experience with molecular biology and microbiology lab techniques including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR, and preparation of next-generation sequencing libraries.
• Experience with shotgun metagenomic and/or 16S rRNA sequencing and the associated bioinformatic analysis.
• Proficiency with bioinformatics workflows for taxonomic profiling of microbial communities and detection of antimicrobial resistance genes, including work in a command-line (Unix/Linux) environment and a statistical or scripting language such as R or Python.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to adapt, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental protocols, and to critically analyze and interpret complex datasets.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills in English, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments for gut microbiome projects and sequencing work.
• Analyze metagenomic data and interpret results.
• Collaborate with the Lineberger Cancer Center and Infectious Diseases teams.
• Review literature and support data interpretation.

Skills

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR and qPCR

NGS library prep

Shotgun metagenomics

16S rRNA sequencing

bioinformatics analysis

Unix/Linux

R programming

Python

Data interpretation

Independent work

English communication

Time management

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Master’s in Marine Sciences & Microbiology

Tools

Unix/Linux

R

Python

Job description

Posting Information

Department Globl Hlth and Infect Disease-427801

Career Area Research Professionals

Posting Open Date 09/21/2026

Application Deadline 10/05/2026

Open Until Filled No

Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title Research Associate

Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number 20078536

Vacancy ID NF0010059

Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent

FTE 1

Hours per week 40

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range $62,115 - $70,000

Proposed Start Date 01/04/2027

Position Information

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 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 primary purpose of the Research Associate is to support the work of Dr. Tessa Andermann. This position will perform laboratory and data analysis for molecular studies of the gut microbiome of immunocompromised patients in the Andermann Lab at UNC -CH. The researcher will perform laboratory tasks related to shotgun metagenomic sequencing ( DNA extraction, library prep/ PCR , pooling of samples) and bioinformatics (primarily stool metagenomics).

This work will include conducting complex experiments, which will entail adaptation and modification of existing procedures in the laboratory. To support this experimental work, the position will require review and interpretation of relevant literature, analysis of complex data, as well as data interpretation.

The researcher will work under the close direction of the principal investigator, Dr. Tessa Andermann, in collaboration with other labs and PIs as part of the Lineberger Cancer Center and the Division of Infectious Diseases. Dr. Andermann is an Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases. The Division of Infectious Diseases develops ongoing clinical, educational, and research programs directed toward the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

Working throughout the state and across campus, the Division’s goals include: (1) Improving clinical care in infectious diseases, including activities related to the management of immunocompromised patients with infectious diseases; activities related to emerging pathogens and clinical outreach; and (2) Coordinating basic and applied research in infectious diseases and fostering collaboration among other investigators and researchers.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Master’s in Marine Sciences and Microbiology, or a related field.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Experience with molecular biology and microbiology laboratory techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR, and preparation of next-generation sequencing libraries.
• Experience with shotgun metagenomic and/or 16S rRNA sequencing and the associated bioinformatic analysis.
• Proficiency with bioinformatics workflows for taxonomic profiling of microbial communities and detection of antimicrobial resistance genes, including work in a command-line (Unix/Linux) environment and a statistical or scripting language such as R or Python.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to adapt, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental protocols, and to critically analyze and interpret complex datasets.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills in English, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Prior experience investigating the gut microbiome in immunocompromised patients, culturing and microbiology laboratory skills.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to maneuver in the lab, including lifting items, performing lab tasks, and performing computer work, with or without accommodation.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325740

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title

Ashley Jones

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.