Research Technician (Pattenden Lab)

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 29,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a Research Technician (Pattenden Lab) to support a project creating genetically encoded DNA circle identifiers. This is a full-time, on-site role requiring meticulous lab management and hands-on molecular biology work.

The position emphasizes attention to detail, organization, and the ability to train colleagues. Tasks include reagent maintenance, assisting with DNA/RNA work, cell culture, flow cytometry, and data

Qualifications

• Demonstrated competency in modern molecular biology techniques.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills for lab records.
• Experience with spreadsheet and presentation software for data reporting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and inventory reagents and equipment.
• Train lab members and collaborators on equipment usage.
• Assist with experiments including DNA/RNA work, cell culture, and flow cytometry.
• Document data and results using MS Office tools.

Skills

Molecular biology

Flow cytometry

DNA/RNA isolation

Cell culture

Lab instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

MS Word

Job description

Posting Information

Department: SOP-CBMC-452100

Career Area: Research Professionals

Is this an internal only recruitment?: No

Posting Open Date: 10/02/2026

Application Deadline: 10/08/2026

Position Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title: Research Technician - Journey

Salary Grade Equivalent: MH06 / GN06

Working Title: Research Technician (Pattenden Lab)

Position Number: 20078896

Vacancy ID: P021431

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

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment: 21 months

Hours per week: 40

Work Schedule: Standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to meet operational needs. This position is fully onsite and requires a 100% onsite work presence.

Work Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $35,000 - $48,000

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

Be a Tar Heel! 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.

• exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events.
• 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

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting‑edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School's Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/oe/strategic-plan/). Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world's most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.

Position Summary

THIS IS A TIME- LIMITED APPOINTMENT WITH AN ESTIMATED DURATION OF 21 MONTHS. The Research Technician will be responsible for managing and performing experiments on a new project in the Pattenden lab to create genetically encoded identifiers of DNA circles. Most important to this position will be attention to detail and an exceptional level of organization and communication skills. In addition, the Research Technician must be self-motivated, proactive, and resourceful and willing to learn new laboratory techniques. Lab duties will include inventory and maintenance of laboratory reagents and equipment and training other lab members and collaborators on lab equipment. Molecular Biology experiments will include generation of DNA plasmids, cell transfection, flow cytometry, chromatin isolation, human and cell culture, synthesis of a cavitation‑enhancement reagent, and isolation and analysis of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. In addition, the Technician must be familiar with the operation of acoustic sonication equipment, flow cytometry, and preparation of nucleic acids, cultured human cells, and tissue for acoustic sonication applications. Finally, the technician must be proficient in computer software for data input, analysis and word processing (MS Excel, Word, Powerpoint).

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences

• Extensive experience working in a molecular biology research laboratory, supporting the design, execution, and analysis of scientific experiments.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques and laboratory instrumentation, including chromatin isolation, DNA and RNA isolation, cell culture, cell transfection, DNA cloning, DNA fragment quantitation, flow cytometry, nucleic acid preparation and analysis, and acoustic sonication.
• Strong organizational, communication, and scientific documentation skills, with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of laboratory quality, accuracy, and compliance while advancing scientific discovery and supporting the laboratory’s research mission.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and implement new laboratory techniques, adapt to evolving research priorities, and work in a self‑motivated, proactive, and resourceful manner.
• Proficiency in computer applications used to support scientific research, including data management, analysis, recordkeeping, and technical documentation.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Overtime occasionally, Weekend work occasionally

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.