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Research Associate

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Posted on Dec 17, 2025
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Research Associate

Posting Information

Posting Information
Department Pathology Lab Med - Research-413804
Career Area Research Professionals
Posting Open Date 12/16/2025
Application Deadline 01/15/2026
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Research Associate
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Research
Position Number 20051164
Vacancy ID NF0009451
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Dependent on Experience and Qualifications
Proposed Start Date 03/02/2026
Position 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.
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 clinical Molecular Genetics Laboratory research and development program develops and implements new DNA and RNA based assays for use in funded clinical trials. This Research Associate laboratorian collaborates with our physicians and our larger group of inspiring colleagues to design, validate, and perform laboratory tests for cancer, infectious disease, inherited disease, immunology, and pharmacogenetics, to support the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department’s clinical research and training programs.

The Research Associate uses their expert laboratory skills to independently plan and perform experiments using appropriate genetic techniques and instruments to accomplish specific research goals developed in concert with the Principal Investigator and associated faculty and staff. The Research Associate, in turn, trains physicians and affiliated professionals in laboratory procedures to gather evidence of assay performance and clinical efficacy required for the assay to be implemented in clinical trials and in routine medical practice, as governed by regulators (e.g. FDA, IRB, CLIA, HIPAA).

Duties and responsibilities will primarily include, but not limited to:
  • Design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments focused on genetic tests of human tissue/liquid specimens.
  • Data analysis, documentation of clinicogenomic findings.
  • Lab management (laboratory safety, human subject protections, biobanking with specimen tracking, ordering supplies and maintaining inventory, budget).
  • Maintain equipment as a core Departmental resource.
  • Progress reports and presentations.
  • Educate and instruct trainees (e.g. residents, clinical fellows) and staff (e.g. bench researchers, medical lab scientists) on benchwork techniques and data analysis pipelines for clinical-grade lab tests.
  • Manage and supervise learners of gene technologies and their medical applications.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
  • Knowledge of biochemical properties of nucleic acid.
  • Hands-on experience in molecular technologies (PCR, genomic sequencing).
  • Working knowledge of genomic assay design and analytic validation.
  • Knowledge of ‘Good Laboratory Practices’ or clinical-grade laboratory standards, as well as BSL2 lab safety principles and procedures.
  • Experience handling human specimens (e.g. blood, fresh or fixed tissue).
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
  • Demonstrated competency in leadership and management skills.
  • At least 5 years of experience in design/implementation of nucleic acid experiments, ideally for clinical trial support.
  • Certifications in molecular technologies or CLIA (clinical-grade) lab experience.
  • Standard operating procedure’ design experience including quality assurance strategies.
  • Hands on benchwork for quantitative PCR, droplet digital PCR, next gen sequencing of DNA and RNA.
  • Understand factors influencing assay performance.
  • Understand principles of bioinformatics and facile with software supporting genomic data analysis (databases, data analysis pipelines, and EPIC/Beaker medical records).
  • Familiar with regulations for research on human subjects.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, and communicate clearly, openly and respectfully.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/310781
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Blake Burklin, HR Consultant
Department Contact Telephone or Email blake_burklin@med.unc.edu
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 (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
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.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Curriculum Vitae / Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. List of References
Optional Documents
  1. Writing/research Sample

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or mostly closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
    • Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
    • Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
    • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
    • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
    • None of the above
  2. * How many years of experience do you have working in a molecular biology laboratory?

    (Open Ended Question)

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