The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · 22 hours ago
Research Specialist - Dr. Lai's lab
Chapel Hill, NC
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$25/hr - $35/hrThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a global leader in higher education known for its commitment to innovative teaching and research. The Lai lab is seeking a Temporary Research Specialist to assist with projects related to antibody engineering, viral vector engineering, and bacteriophage biology, while ensuring smooth lab operations and maintaining accurate documentation.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
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
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
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
Professional training opportunities for career growth
Skill development and lifelong learning
Exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts
Savings on local child care centers
Special rates for performing arts events
Company
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Carolina’s vibrant people and programs attest to the University’s long-standing place among leaders in higher education since it was chartered in 1789 and opened its doors for students in 1795 as the nation’s first public university.
Founded in 1919
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (165)
2024 (143)
2023 (100)
2022 (133)
2021 (83)
2020 (89)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$48.57MKey Investors
SECU FoundationCDA FoundationNorth Carolina Biotechnology Center
2024-07-19Grant· $1M
2024-03-18Grant
2023-02-16Grant· $0.11M
Leadership Team
Judith Cone
Retired Vice Chancellor for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Innovation as of April 1, 2021
Michael Williams
Network SEcurity Team Lead
Recent News
Morningstar.com
2025-09-20
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