Research Specialist - Contributing

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a Research Specialist in the Neuroscience Center to join Dr. Adam Hantman's lab.

The role focuses on mouse models of developmental disorders and skilled movement control, using modern neuroscience techniques. Responsibilities include mouse husbandry, training, surgery, histology and preprocessing of behavioral and neural data, with collaboration from senior lab members on Angelman, Dup15q, NGLY1 deficiency, Rett syndrome

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
• The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, interested in the research topic, willing to learn new skills, and with strong attention to detail and ability to carry out tasks in a consistent and accurate manner.

Responsibilities

• Mouse husbandry, training, surgery, and histology.
• Behavioral and neural data preprocessing.
• Collaborate with two senior lab members on projects involving Angelman syndrome, Dup15q syndrome, NGLY1 deficiency, Rett syndrome, and Autism spectrum disorder.

Education

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

Job description

Posting Information

Department: Neuroscience Center-428601

Career Area: Research Professionals

Is this an internal only recruitment?: No

Posting Open Date: 09/21/2026

Application Deadline: 09/28/2026

Position Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title: Research Specialist - Contributing

Salary Grade Equivalent: MH14 / GN08

Working Title: Research Specialist

Position Number: 20067680

Vacancy ID: P021394

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

Hours per week: 40

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; 40 hours per week.

Work Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $54,170 – $65,000

Pay Band Information: To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Notice to Applicants: This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Position Summary 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

This position is for a research specialist to work in the laboratory of Dr. Adam Hantman at UNC (https://www.med.unc.edu/neuroscience/hantmanlab/). Our lab studies how complex networks in the brain control movements. We use modern experimental neuroscience techniques to (1) train mice to perform reaching and grasping tasks, (2) record brain activity from multiple brain areas as mice perform skilled movements, (3) use genetic tools to manipulate brain activity to better understand the neural control of movement. This position is for an individual to work on a project that is investigating mouse models of developmental disorders. This individual will with work closely with two senior lab members on a project investigating neural dynamics and skilled movement control in mouse models of Angelman syndrome, Dup15q syndrome, NGLY1 deficiency, Rett syndrome, and Autism spectrum disorder, among others. The major responsibilities of this position include mouse husbandry, mouse training, mouse surgery, histology, and behavioral and neural data preprocessing. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and interested in the research topic, willing to learn new skills, and with strong attention to detail and ability to carry out tasks in a consistent and accurate manner.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

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

Management Preferences

The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, be highly organized, have the ability to multi-task, communicate clearly, promote and participate in collaborative endeavors, take initiative, and be intellectually vested in lab’s research goals. Candidates with previous experience in the animal research.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Animal Handler (non-DLAM), Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Laboratory

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325662

Contact Information

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.