Research Specialist - Virology Laboratory Sharma

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Accident Plan

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Tuition Assistance

Childcare

Wellness Membership

Wellness Programs

Job summary

North Carolina State University in Raleigh seeks a Research Specialist for the Sharma Virology Laboratory to support NIH-funded projects in viral pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions. The role balances administrative and hands-on lab duties in a multidisciplinary setting.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in a related field, has extensive cell culture and molecular biology experience, and can manage inventory, safety, and regulatory records while collaborating with researchers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment or equivalent training/experience.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and protein quantification assays.
• Hands-on knowledge of recombinant protein expression and purification using affinity chromatography and FPLC/AKTA systems.
• Knowledge of laboratory inventory management, supply procurement, equipment maintenance, recordkeeping, and biosafety and Environmental Health and Safety requirements.
• Effective organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate with faculty, staff, and trainees.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Operations, Inventory & Logistics: Maintain general lab organization, workflows, and daily operations; manage purchasing, vendor interactions, supply ordering, shipment receiving, and inventory control; prepare, maintain, and catalog biological inventories; oversee equipment scheduling, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting; liaison with core facilities.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular cloning

SDS-PAGE

Western blotting

Protein quantification

Recombinant protein expression

Affinity chromatography

FPLC/AKTA systems

Biosafety & EHS

Organizational communication

Education

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

Job description

Job Posting Information

• Posting Number: PG195180SP
• Internal Recruitment: No
• Working Title: Research Specialist - Virology Laboratory Sharma
• Anticipated Hiring Range: $50,000-$58,000
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm additional hours may be required
• Job Location: Raleigh, NC
• Department: Department of Population Health and Pathobiology
• About the Department: Dr. Sharma's laboratory focused on virology research in the Department of Population Health and Pathobiology.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

The successful candidate will support the day-to-day operations of a multidisciplinary virology and structural biology research laboratory conducting NIH-funded research on viral pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and translational infectious disease research. This role balances administrative, compliance, and operational duties with hands-on technical support across multiple collaborative research projects in a dynamic academic research environment.

Laboratory Operations, Inventory & Logistics

• Maintain general laboratory organization, workflows, and efficient daily operations.
• Manage purchasing, vendor interactions, supply ordering, shipment receiving, and inventory control.
• Prepare, maintain, and catalog biological inventories (viral stocks, plasmid DNA, bacterial glycerol stocks, cell lines, and specimen archives).
• Oversee shared equipment scheduling, routine maintenance, calibration, and basic troubleshooting.
• Serve as the primary liaison with institutional core facilities.

Technical & Research Support

• Provide technical assistance to graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and lab staff across virology, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and immunology projects.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures.
• Execute standard laboratory techniques including viral propagation/titration, molecular cloning, nucleic acid/protein analyses, protein purification, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and microscopy.
• Prepare common laboratory reagents, stock solutions, and buffers.

Compliance, Safety & Training

• Assist with laboratory biosafety, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), and institutional regulatory compliance activities.
• Coordinate onboarding, laboratory orientation, and safety training for incoming personnel.
• Maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety documentation, and regulatory compliance records.

Documentation, Data Integrity & Administrative Support

• Maintain rigorous, accurate laboratory records and electronic database inventories.

If you are a collaborative and detail-oriented research professional who enjoys hands-on laboratory work and contributing to innovative virology research, we invite you to bring your skills to the Sharma Laboratory and join NC State's research community.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education: Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and protein quantification assays.
• Hands-on knowledge of recombinant protein expression and purification using affinity chromatography and FPLC/AKTA systems.
• Knowledge of laboratory inventory management, supply procurement, equipment maintenance, recordkeeping, and biosafety and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) requirements.
• Effective organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with the capacity to work independently and collaborate with faculty, staff, and trainees.

Required License or Certification: n/a

Valid NC Driver's License required: No

Commercial Driver's License Required?: No

Position Details

• Position Number: 00112274
• Position Type: SHRA
• Position Classification Band Title: Research Specialist
• Position Classification Band Level: Contributing
• Position Classification Salary Range: $ 45,454 - $ 109,409
• Salary Grade Equivalency: MH06
• Alternate Option: If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
• Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.00
• Appointment: 12 Month Recurring
• Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
• Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
• Time Limited Position: Yes
• Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable): 2 years
• Department Id: 196001 - Department of Population Health and Pathobiology

EEO & Equal Opportunity

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University 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.