Research Technician

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a Laboratory Research Technician in the Besheer Lab. The role focuses on neurobiological processes underlying addiction with daily behavioral experiments in rats and related molecular analyses.

The successful candidate will maintain detailed records, analyze data, and assist with budgets and inventory. This is a 40‑hour/week temporary appointment based in North Carolina, with a start date in January 2027.

Qualifications

• Experience with behavioral experiments in rodents or similar animal models.
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed lab records and present results clearly.
• Willingness to assist with budgeting, ordering lab supplies and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct standardized behavioral experiments in rats.
• Assist with molecular analyses that complement behavioral studies.
• Maintain computer-generated data and perform data analysis and graphing.
• Support budgeting, ordering of laboratory supplies and inventory control.

Skills

Behavioral experiments in rodents

Record-keeping and data presentation

Teamwork and communication

Job description

Posting Information

Department Alcohol Studies Center - 428801

Career Area Research Professionals

Posting Open Date 10/20/2026

Application Deadline 10/25/2026

Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)

Position Title Research Technician

Position Number 20074876

Vacancy ID S028172

Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week 40

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range $21.00 per hour

Proposed Start Date 01/04/2027

Estimated Duration of Appointment 6 months or longer

Position 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 that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

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 Laboratory Research Technician is located in the Besheer Lab at the Center for Alcohol Studies. The principal purpose of this position is to facilitate and conduct research focused on examining the neurobiological processes that underlie addiction. The successful candidate will be performing standardized procedures that are used in behavioral pharmacological research, including the daily conduct of behavioral experiments in rats.

Another primary component of the Laboratory Research Technician position is to assist in conducting molecular analyses that will complement the behavioral studies. A third primary component of this position is to assist with maintaining the computer-generated data and to conduct standardized data analysis and graphing using computer software. The Laboratory Research Technician will be required to keep detailed and accurate records of experimental test procedures and results, and present results to the PI. The employee will also assist with maintaining budgets, ordering laboratory supplies and keeping accurate inventory.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences

• Experience conducting behavioral experiments in rodents
• Experience working with rodent brain tissue, including microtome sectioning, immunohistochemistry processing and quantification, Western blots or RT-PCR
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327300

Temporary Employment Policies

Posting 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.