Research Specialist

Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 pm

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

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.

THIS IS A TIME-LIMITED POSITION WITH AN ESTIMATED DURATION OF 2 YEARS.

This Research Specialist position in the Tissue Procurement Facility/Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is responsible for the procurement and preparation of distribution samples of malignant and non-malignant tissue and blood products from UNCH operating rooms and pathology suites following policies and procedures for such collection, storage, processing, and distribution as set up by the Tissue Procurement and Analysis Core Facility. Interaction with investigations is also included to ensure that tissue is collected according to specific criteria of a research study. Obtaining all necessary paperwork is needed prior to tissue procurement as well as following all established policies associated with responsible procurement and handling of human specimens. The Research Specialist will be responsible for ensuring informed consent was obtained, required registrations are in place, and the procurement and processing of samples follows GCP, HIPAA, and established policies associated with responsible procurement and handling of human specimens.

The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, founded in 1975, is one of 49 National Cancer Institute ( NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country. The Center's mission is to reduce cancer occurrence and death in North Carolina and the nation through research, treatment, training, and outreach.

The UNC Tissue Procurement Facility ( TPF) provides a centralized facility for the procurement, processing, storage, analysis, and distribution of malignant and non-malignant tissue for use by UNC Lineberger Cancer Center Members and sponsored nonmembers in basic, population, translational and clinical research studies. The TPF's mission is achieved by providing investigators with a centralized, coordinated, quality-controlled, and quality-assured facility for the procurement, processing, storage, and distribution of biologic specimens.

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.

This position requires a basic understanding of scientific principles, methods, results presentation, and reporting. Candidates must have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision; strong attention to detail; and an ability to handle deadlines, flexibility with priorities, and ability to handle confidential information. Must be able to manage multiple projects and their associated tasks, activities, and timelines. Must be able and willing to work within a cooperative team environment. Proficiency with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other MS Office and electronic mail software, and experience with electronic informational resources is required. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential. Good written and oral communication skills are needed.

Previous clinical research experience and knowledge and familiarity of human specimen collection, research data management, and inventory control preferred.

Hands on experience of biospecimen collection and shipping is preferred.

Ability to sit/ stand for extended periods of times.
Ability to walk several miles a day across medical complex (approx..3-6 miles).
Able to move at least 40 lbs. of heavy racks with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to manipulate cryogenic samples.

Not Applicable.

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.