1

Reference Lab Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Job Posting Information Posting Number PG194576SP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Lab Manager ... references Position Details Position Number 00103424 Position Type SHRA Position Classification ...

Testing & Lab Operations Perform Assays : Execute neutralizing antibody (nAb) and total antibody ... Track expiration dates and stock levels of critical assay components like reference standards. Data ...

... lab notebook, instrument logs, etc) and method development. Choose Duke. If you are interested, please send your CV, contact information for reference(s), and your unofficial transcript to dorothy ...

Research Technician III

Durham, NC · On-site

$23.06 - $34.96/hr

... lab notebook, instrument logs, etc) and method development. Choose Duke. If you are interested, please send your CV, contact information for reference(s), and your unofficial transcript to dorothy ...

Showing results 41-60

Reference Lab information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$24

$43

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Raleigh, NC is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reference lab?

A reference lab is a specialized medical laboratory that performs high-complexity or specialized diagnostic testing, often on samples sent from hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities. These labs have advanced equipment and expertise to conduct tests that are not typically available in smaller or local labs. Reference labs play a crucial role in providing accurate results for rare, complex, or high-volume tests, supporting physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. They may also offer consultation on test interpretation and guidance on appropriate testing strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reference laboratory technician?

To thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in laboratory science, attention to detail, and typically an associate's or bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control procedures is essential, along with certifications like ASCP or AMT being highly valued. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently under strict deadlines are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate test processing, reliable results, and efficient lab operations critical for patient diagnosis and care.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a reference laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a reference laboratory often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, meeting strict turnaround times, and ensuring accuracy across a diverse range of tests. Effective communication with clinical teams and meticulous attention to detail are essential to maintain workflow efficiency and minimize errors. Continuous training and familiarity with evolving technologies also help staff stay current with best practices and regulatory requirements, ensuring high-quality results and patient safety.

What is the difference between Reference Lab vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectReference LabMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsVaries; often specialized certifications or licensure depending on tests performedAssociate's degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentLarge laboratories, hospitals, or diagnostic centers; handling high volume testingHospital labs, clinics, or diagnostic facilities; performing routine tests under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by diagnostic companies and hospitals for specialized testingCommonly employed in healthcare settings for sample analysis

Reference Labs and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings, but Reference Labs typically handle high-volume, specialized testing often for multiple clients, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing under supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What does a reference lab do?

A reference lab is a specialized laboratory that performs complex or specialized diagnostic tests that are often not available at standard labs. They process samples from healthcare providers, using advanced equipment and techniques, and typically require trained personnel and quality certifications to ensure accurate results.
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,050 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Post-Doc Research Associate (Kelada Lab)

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Department Genetics - 423501 Posting Open Date 10/10/2025 Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate (Kelada Lab) Vacancy ID PDS004674 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Work Location Chapel Hill, NC Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range 64,000 - 74,000 Proposed Start Date 01/05/2026 Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
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 and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.
Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing 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. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be the nation's leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.
OUR MISSION
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 will 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 will prepare tomorrow's health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.
Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.
Position Summary
The Kelada Lab is seeking a post-doctoral research associate to join their research program on the role of gene-environment interactions with air pollution in respiratory disease. We seek to uncover mechanistic links between the genome (e.g., DNA sequence variants), epigenome (chromatin accessibility), gene expression, and air pollutant-induced airway inflammation phenotypes in a mouse model system. More specifically, our project will leverage genetically diverse mice from the Collaborative Cross mouse genetics reference population to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) that influence response to the air pollutant ozone. In addition to QTL mapping of ozone response phenotypes, we will also analyze gene expression and chromatin accessibility in key cell types and identify expression and accessibility QTL that mediate the relationships between ozone exposure and response.

We are looking for an enthusiastic post-doctoral research associate to join this project and help lead efforts to generate and analyze these datasets. The post-doctoral research associate will have the opportunity to learn from lab members and other members of the genetics, pulmonary, and toxicology research communities at UNC, which are exceptionally strong. The post-doctoral research associate will also have the opportunity to work with a strong bioinformatics team at UNC to analyze genomic data, and the research project and environment will provide ample opportunities for training in these approaches. In addition to research, the post-doctoral research associate will be actively involved with writing scientific papers and presenting talks at scientific meetings.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
PhD in Genetics or a related field.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience with quantitative genetic analysis (QTL mapping in particular)
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience with mouse models of human disease
Experience with flow cytometry
Candidates should be self-motivated, enthusiastic, able to work in a teamwork environment, and have strong communication skills.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Please provide a sample of scientific writing from graduate training (e.g., published manuscript or chapter from dissertation) in the "Writing Sample" option for required documents.
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/307952
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Sam Robinson Department Contact Telephone or Email Sam_Robinson@med.unc.edu Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.
Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
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.

What University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789