Research Specialist
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
USD 25-29 / hour
Posted on Mar 10, 2026
Research Specialist
Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job
Posting Information
Posting Information
| Department | Epidemiology - 463501 |
|---|---|
| Career Area | Research Professionals |
| Posting Open Date | 03/09/2026 |
| Application Deadline | 03/16/2026 |
| Position Type | Temporary Staff (SHRA) |
| Position Title | Research Specialist |
| Position Number | 20075030 |
| Vacancy ID | S026983 |
| Full-time/Part-time | Full-Time Temporary |
| Hours per week | 40 |
| Work Schedule | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Position Location | North Carolina, US |
| Hiring Range | $25.00 - $29.00 per hour |
| Proposed Start Date | |
| Estimated Duration of Appointment | 6 months not to exceed 11 months |
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 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 | The Department of Epidemiology is one of the seven departments located in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The department’s primary focus is to the development and application of research methods to understand the patterns and causes of health and disease, and the application of that knowledge to improving the health of populations. We provide strong training in research methods and opportunities for the application of epidemiology to a wide range of health problems through our research. The achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have enabled us to become one of the leading academic departments of epidemiology in the world. The department has 38 Tenured-Tenure Track / 8 Joint Tenure-Track Faculty, 22 Fixed Term / 4 Joint Fixed Term Faculty, 122 Adjuncts, 33 EHRA Non-Faculty, 22 Postdocs, 23 SHRA (Staff), 11 SHRA Temporary and 226 Students. The department’s operating budget is 27 million a year. |
| Position Summary | The purpose of this position is to provide laboratory research support for the general operation of the BioSpecimen Processing (BSP) University-wide, College of American Pathologist (CAP) accredited core facility. An organized and detail-oriented individual who will need to perform molecular biology and general laboratory techniques to fulfill the requirements of this position. A major component of the work will be processing human biospecimen samples manually or on automated high-throughput pieces of equipment. Specifically, the position will involve extraction of DNA and RNA from biospecimens, quantitation and quality analysis of extracted specimens, aliquoting, and storage of biospecimens. Use of a computer-based specimen inventory and tracking system to detail receipt, processing, aliquoting, storage and distribution of all specimens will be required. All tasks must be performed successfully in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory environment following strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with adherence to tight deadlines. |
| Minimum Education and Experience Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. |
| Management Preferences | * Experience working in a SOP-driven laboratory environment with human biospecimens in a biosafety level-two lab. * Experience working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). * Familiarity with commonly used laboratory equipment including single- and multi-channel pipettes, centrifuge, laminar flow hoods, autoclaves, and spectrophotometers. * Knowledge of safe blood work procedures * Knowledge of research and regulatory standards to maintain a high throughput, HIPAA-regulated laboratory environment. |
| Special Physical/Mental Requirements | * Ability to move up to 50lbs (for transfer of dry ice shipments as well as removing and restoring full freezer racks) with or without reasonable accommodation * Ability to work with dry ice, -80 C and Liquid Nitrogen freezers using appropriate personal protective equipment * Ability to move Liquid Nitrogen tanks on carts and un-hook and re-hook tanks to fill hoses |
| Campus Security Authority Responsibilities | Not Applicable. |
| Special Instructions | |
| Quick Link | https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/314261 |
| 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 (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. |
Optional and Required Documents
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume
- Cover Letter
- List of References
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Please list years of experience with micro and serological pipettes. (0.6 - 10 years as an example)
(Open Ended Question)