Carolina Population Center · 3 hours ago
Research Specialist - Dr. Lai's lab
North Carolina, US
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$25/hr - $35/hrThe UNC University Libraries is a global leader in higher education, and they are seeking a Temporary Research Specialist for the Lai lab. The role involves supporting various projects in antibody engineering, viral vector engineering, and bacteriophage biology, performing molecular biology, microbiology, and cell biology workflows, while maintaining accurate documentation and smooth lab operations.
Responsibilities
Perform common molecular biology techniques
For assays focusing on nucleic acids, this includes techniques such as DNA production, purification and cleanup (e.g., plasmid preps, PCR cleanup), restriction digests, ligations, cloning, gel electrophoresis, PCR, and qPCR
For assays focusing on proteins, this includes production and purification of proteins and antibodies, gel electrophoresis, and ELISA
Perform common microbiology techniques such as preparation of media/agar plates; sterile technique; streaking and isolation; glycerol stocks; bacterial culturing (including strains used for phage work)
Perform common cell biology techniques such as cell culture
Support bacteriophage workflows such as plaque assays, titrations, lysate prep, and basic phage handling following established lab SOPs
Support viral vector (i.e. non-infectious viral proteins derived vehicles for delivery of nucleic acids) workflows, such as vector titering, flow cytometry, and vector production/purification following established lab SOPs
Support protein/antibody workflows, such as production, purification and characterization of proteins following established lab SOPs
Maintain detailed experimental notes and organize data files in lab-standard formats
Manage lab inventory: track consumables, reagents, and plastics; proactively address low stock
Prepare buffers/media and maintain common lab reagents
Assist with routine lab organization, equipment upkeep, and general lab cleanliness
Follow EHS/biosafety requirements and maintain safe lab practices
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
Prior hands-on experience with bacteriophage techniques (e.g., plaque assays); and bacterial culturing and cloning workflows (PCR, plasmid prep, gel electrophoresis, transformations)
Prior experience with microbiome-relevant workflows (e.g., anaerobic technique, sample processing); and inventory management/order tracking in a research lab
Familiarity with basic data handling (spreadsheets; clear file naming/versioning)
Benefits
Numerous retail and restaurant discounts
Savings on local child care centers
Special rates for performing arts events
Company
Carolina Population Center
The Carolina Population Center (CPC) is a community of outstanding scholars and professionals associated to create new knowledge about population size, structure, and processes of change.
Founded in 1966
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase