Research Specialist

University of North Carolina at Wilmington; Wilmington, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Research Specialist will oversee the day-to-day operation of the Forensic Light Isotope and Trace Environmental Spectrometry ( FLITES ) core facility in concert with another staff member. The position is expected to train and supervise faculty and students on the correct operation of instrumentation in the FLITES facility.

In addition, the successful candidate is expected to maintain the instrumentation and affiliated supplies as well as provide data analysis and data management support,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment + 1 year of directly related experience; or equivalent combination of training and/or related experience.
• Graduate degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment preferred.
• Experience with trace level analysis using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of the FLITES core facility with another staff member.
• Train and supervise faculty and students on the correct operation of instrumentation.
• Maintain instrumentation and supplies; provide data analysis and data management support.
• Implement basic QA/QC protocols and oversee lab safety.

Skills

Trace analysis

Data analysis

Data management

QA/QC protocols

Training users

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment

Graduate degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment

Tools

GC-MS/MS

LC-MS/MS

Thermo Orbitrap Exploris 240

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is being recruited at the Journey level. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers. Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally. As a member of the Seahawk community, you’ll benefit from a culture that values well‑being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well‑being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Recruitment Range

Recruitment Range $55,055 – $64,000

Recruitment Range Details

The salary range advertised is the designated recruitment range for this classification. Final salary offers will be determined by the candidate’s education, relevant experience, internal equity alignment, and departmental budgetary parameters.

Vacancy Number

Vacancy Number S02922

Position Title

Position Title Research Specialist

Working Title

Working Title Research Specialist

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science ( CMS ) is recognized both nationally and internationally for conducting research that contributes to the understanding of environmental processes and problems. CMS strives to engage communities to address societal issues and promote use‑inspired innovations. Research at CMS includes a variety of fields such as aquaculture; coastal water resources, risks and resilience; coastal and ocean observing and modeling; ecosystem health; genomics and bioinformatics; human health and preclinical research; marine and coastal biology; marine geology and paleoclimate; marine technology; natural products chemistry; and ocean and coastal policy. Currently, there are more than 150 scientists, staff, and students housed at or working with the unit. The teaching and research facility located on the Intracoastal Waterway in southeastern North Carolina features state of the art core facilities in spectrometry and spectroscopy, light stable isotopes, biotechnology, aquaculture, DNA and water quality analysis as well as running seawater systems, a coastal workboat fleet and a wide range of oceanographic equipment that are available to all CMS researchers. CMS supports educational programs related to coastal and marine science, including the Applied Coastal and Ocean Science Ph.D. program and MS Marine Science degree as well as courses and students from various marine‑science related academic departments across the breadth of UNC​W. It also supports several outreach entities, including NC Sea Grant, the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Marine Quest, among others.

College

College Center for Marine Science - 306 College

College/School Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world‑class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking. A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate‑level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN‑to- BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering. The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

Location of Workplace

Location of Workplace CMS Myrtle Grove

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The Research Specialist will oversee the day-to-day operation of the Forensic Light Isotope and Trace Environmental Spectrometry ( FLITES ) core facility in concert with another staff member. The position is expected to train and supervise faculty and students on the correct operation of instrumentation in the FLITES facility. In addition, the successful candidate is expected to maintain the instrumentation and affiliated supplies as well as provide data analysis and data management support, basic QA/QC protocols, and oversee lab safety protocols. This is a permanent, state‑funded position.

Instrumentation: Thermo Orbitrap Exploris 240

• Thermo Orbitrap Exploris 240 mass spectrometer interfaced with a ThermoVanquish Neo

UHPLC

• Thermo Vanquish UHPLC with fraction collector
• Thermo 1310 gas chromatograph with an ISQ single quadropole mass spectrometer and flame ionization detector ( FID )
• Agilent 8890 gas chromatography with FID and interfaced with a Gerstel preparative fraction collector
• Shimadzu LC-40 XR LC system coupled to Sciex Triple Quad 5500+
• Bruker GC 465 gas chromatograph coupled to Bruker Triple Quad
• Bruker GC 456 gas chromatograph with ECD detector

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment + 1 year of directly related experience; or equivalent combination of training and/or related experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred education, professional skills and experience

• A graduate degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment.
• Experience with trace level analysis of organic compounds using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS instrumentation.
• Experience training users of mass spectrometric instrumentation and data analysis/interpretation.

Required Certifications or licensure

N/A

FTE

1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Months Per Year

12 Months

Work Days

Monday - Friday

Type of Position

Permanent

Position Number

8476

Job Posting Date

09/16/2026

Posting Close Date

10/14/2026

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.