Research Technician

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional training opportunities

Job summary

The Kovalski Lab in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at UNC-Chapel Hill, in collaboration with the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, seeks a full-time Research Technician to study post-transcriptional control in cancer and RNA translation.

You will perform molecular biology techniques, contribute to NGS library prep and data analysis, keep organized records, and participate in group meetings; a chance to publish in a high-impact journal.

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology and RNA biology.
• Independent laboratory research experience.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies and data analysis.
• Strong record-keeping and data presentation for publications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe applications.

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA extraction, PCR, plasmid prep and basic cloning.
• Carry out flow cytometry, RNA isolation and qPCR.
• Prepare libraries for NGS and analyze sequencing data.
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and organize data.
• Contribute to group meetings and manage reagents and safety compliance.
• Assist with manuscript preparation and figures.

Skills

Molecular biology

RNA biology

DNA extraction

PCR

qPCR

Flow cytometry

Cloning

NGS data analysis

Tools

NGS library prep

Gel electrophoresis

Western blotting

Job description

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

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

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

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 Kovalski Lab in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, in conjunction with the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, is seeking a highly motivated full-time Research Technician. In the Kovalski lab, we use a systems-level approach to identify the functional molecular mechanisms of post-transcriptional control in cancer. We are very interested in how specific proteins are expressed at the proper time and place in cancer through the process of selective RNA translation. Our goal is to use this knowledge to identify new therapeutic targets to combat cancer.

The Research Technician will work on specific projects in RNA biology and cancer and will have the unique opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment, with the possibility of publishing in a high-impact journal.

The position duties include performing molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, plasmid preparation, basic cloning, flow cytometry, NGS library prep and analysis, gel electrophoresis, tissue culture, western blotting, RNA isolation and qPCR. Additional duties will include scientific writing, organization of data appropriate to the role in the lab, record keeping and data entry, active participation in group meetings and shared lab responsibilities including reagent preparation, inventory maintenance, and safety compliance.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences

Training or experience in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or a related life sciences discipline, with demonstrated independent laboratory research experience.

Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies and data analysis, along with proficiency in RNA biology.

Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and comprehensive research records, including laboratory notebooks, data organization, documentation, and preparation of figures and datasets for publications, presentations, and research proposals.

Preferred proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe applications (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Illustrator).

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• Requires handling of potentially hazardous chemicals and biological materials.
• Frequent lifting and carrying of boxes up to 25 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Frequently performing repetitive hand and arm motions while pipetting.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Laboratory

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.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• List of References

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you possess the competencies necessary to perform the Research Technician position?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please describe your experience maintaining accurate research records, laboratory documentation, or electronic databases.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have a working knowledge of next gen sequencing?
  • yes
  • no