Research Lab Technician

The University of North Carolina; Greensboro, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Greensboro is seeking a Research Technician for the Brantley Lab to contribute to basic science using molecular biology and imaging in insect embryos. The role emphasizes careful lab work, independence, and collaboration within a student-inclusive research environment.

Responsibilities include molecular biology, insect husbandry, microscopy, data analysis, and maintaining organized lab records; prior experience not required as training is provided, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field; 2+ years hands-on research lab experience.
• Proficiency with standard molecular biology techniques including PCR, DNA extraction, cloning, bacterial culture, media preparation, and sterile technique.

Responsibilities

• Molecular biology work and operations within the Brantley Lab.
• Insect husbandry, microscopy, data analysis and general lab organization.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

PCR

DNA extraction

Cloning

Laboratory records

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field

2+ years research lab experience

Tools

Fiji/ImageJ

Microscopy

PCR equipment

Job description

Located in North Carolina’s third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal — helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University’s 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit

The Department of Biology at UNCG is committed to providing excellent and comprehensive instruction at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. We offer a full range of courses to students pursuing a degree in Biology or Medical Technology, as well as to non-biology majors interested in the biological sciences. Biology majors have many options available to them, including the option to pursue degree concentrations in Biotechnology, Environmental Biology, or Human Biology. Biology students are encouraged to gain research experience through independent study with a faculty member, and to develop strong communication skills with writing- and speaking- intensive lecture and laboratory courses.

Position Summary

The Brantley Lab is seeking a Research Technician who is passionate about basic science and being a reliable, collaborative member of an academic research team. Research in the Brantley Lab uses quantitative imaging and genetic approaches in insect embryos (Drosophila and Tribolium species) to understand how cells make decisions during early embryonic development. The Research Technician will play an important role in the day-to-day research of the lab, with responsibilities including molecular biology, insect husbandry, microscopy, data analysis, and general laboratory organization. We are looking for someone with a strong foundation in basic molecular biology techniques who can carry out laboratory work carefully, independently, and reproducibly. Prior experience with insect model systems or microscopy is not required, and training will be provided in these areas.
The position also offers opportunities for scientific and technical growth based on the candidate’s interests. A technician who is interested in becoming more intellectually involved in research projects will have opportunities to learn advanced microscopy and quantitative image analysis, contribute to experimental design and troubleshooting, develop new methods, and analyze and interpret data. The Brantley Lab is a collaborative research environment that includes undergraduate and graduate students. The ideal candidate will enjoy working as part of a team, maintaining a well-organized and productive laboratory environment, and sharing their technical expertise with other lab members.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field; 2+ years of hands-on experience in a research laboratory environment; demonstrated proficiency with standard molecular biology techniques, including PCR , DNA extraction, cloning, bacterial culture, preparation of media and solutions, and basic sterile technique.
• Ability to independently follow established protocols and maintain accurate laboratory records.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biology or a related field; prior experience with Drosophila, Tribolium, or other invertebrate model systems is a plus but not required; experience with microscopy or image analysis software (e.g., Fiji/ImageJ) is a plus but not required; strong organizational, analytical, and computer skills.
• Ability to manage multiple ongoing laboratory tasks and maintain accurate research records.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, communicate effectively, and work proactively in a collaborative research environment; interest in learning new experimental and quantitative approaches.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Recruitment Range

Recruitment Range $45,000 - $50,000

Org -# Department

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 09/15/2026

For Best Consideration Date

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

FTE

FTE 1.000

Type of Appointment

Type of Appointment Time Limited

If time-limited, please specify end date for appointment.

Start Date: November 1, 2026

End Date: July 31, 2029 (with chance to continue if funding is there, but funded through that date for now)

Number of Months per Year

Number of Months per Year 12

FLSA

FLSA Non-Exempt

Key Responsibilities

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 20%

Key Responsibility

Molecular/cell biology techniques

• Cloning, DNA / RNA extraction, & PCR .

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 20%

Key Responsibility

Administrative

• Record-keeping of protocols and results.

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 20%

Key Responsibility

• Routine lab support (insect husbandry, media/chemical prep).

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 10%

Key Responsibility

Maintain Equipment

• Equipment operation and maintenance.

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 10%

Key Responsibility

Analyze and collect data

• Imaging and data analysis (microscopy-based data collection, image analysis).

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 10%

Key Responsibility

Compliance

• Lab Safety compliance.

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 10%

Key Responsibility

Collaboration, communication, and training

• Collaboration, communication, and training new lab members.

ADA Checklist

R for Rare (0-30%), O for Occasional (30-60%), F for Frequent (60-90%), C for Constant (90-100%).

Physical Effort

Physical Effort Hand Movement-Repetitive Motions, Hand Movement-Grasping, Holding, Finger Dexterity, Vision-Skilled Trades, Reading, Writing, Eye-hand coordination, Vision-Color Distinction, Vision-Preparing/Analyzing figures, Vision-Visual inspection, Vision-Measuring/Assembling at distance close to eye, Hearing, Talking, Standing, Sitting, Walking, Lifting-0-30 lbs., Lifting-30-60 lbs., Pushing/Pulling, Climbing-Stairs, Bending, Squatting, Reaching

Work Environment Inside, Ventilation ConditionsDust, Ventilation ConditionsFumes, Ventilation ConditionsChemicals, Ventilation ConditionsGases, Exposure to potential Hazardous Conditions, Chemical Spills, Use of Respirator

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

• Other Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please indicate how you learned of the vacant position for which you are applying:
  • UNCGjobsearch Website
  • Greensboro News & Record
  • Carolina Peacemaker
  • Other Newspaper
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • Other Professional Journal
  • NCWorks.gov
  • UNC System Job Board
  • Other Online Job Board
  • Personal Networking
  • Other
• * If you selected \"Other\", please provide the name of the resource here.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship for employment at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship?

  (Open Ended Question)