Research Associate

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.

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.

The Research Associate position will independently design, collect, and analyze research data for several experimental projects investigating the origin of genetic coding and protein synthesis according to a coded template. One studies the translatomics of ribosome-free coded peptide bond formation. The other examines structure/function studies of reconstructed aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase cognate tRNA pair likely to resemble evolutionary intermediates in the evolution of the genetic code. An ideal candidate will have extensive experience and enthusiasm for molecular biology, preparative biochemistry, laboratory conditions for RNA biology, on the one hand, and enzymology and data analysis on the other hand. The selected candidate will be expected co-author papers as well as present results at meetings and conferences. The position will offer considerable independence and facilitate collaboration with multiple groups supported by the two funding sources.

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.

Ability to work independently on projects in molecular biology and enzymology. PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, (Molecular) Biology or a related field.

Major responsibilities include general lab management, independent design and implementation of experimental protocols, scientific and budgetary record keeping, and acting as liaison for Health and Safety. Procedures include PCR, in vitro transcription, PAGE purification of RNAs, enzymatic reactions, protein expression and purification, single turnover and steady-state enzymatic assays. Independent initiative, curiosity, enthusiasm for laboratory experimentation and the scientific method, and willingness to learn are more important than experience with any one particular skill.

Previous work with RNA, and/or enzymology are preferred.

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.