Research Technician (Liu Lab)

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

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.

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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.

UNC Genetics Department is seeking a Research Technician with an interest in bacterial genetics. The primary responsibility of this position is to support ongoing research in the Liu Lab, with a focus on studying drug resistance and bacterial evolution in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria ( NTM). The individual will assist with experimental and analytical tasks, including sample processing, bacterial culture, DNA extraction, library preparation, molecular biology techniques, and data organization. Additionally, the position will manage the daily operations of the NTM Biobank, ensuring accurate cataloging, storage, and retrieval of clinical and environmental isolates. The successful candidate will play a vital role in maintaining biospecimen integrity and facilitating collaborations within and outside the lab.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Research Laboratory experience required

We are looking for candidates with prior experience in microbiology and molecular biology techniques, such as bacterial culture, DNA extraction, PCR, and library preparation. Experience working in a BSL-2 lab and handling slow-growing bacteria like mycobacteria is a plus. Familiarity with sample tracking, data organization, or biobank management is also preferred. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are important for this role.

Strong attention to detail, good organizational and record-keeping skills, and the ability to follow protocols accurately. Effective communication and teamwork abilities are important, along with a willingness to learn new techniques. Comfort working with bacterial cultures and handling biological samples is preferred. Basic computer skills for data entry and sample tracking are also desirable.

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.

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.