Weekend Research Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Posting Information
Posting Information
Department
Pediatrics-Infectious Disease-412017
Career Area
Research Professionals
Is this an internal only recruitment?
No
Posting Open Date
08/24/2026
Application Deadline
08/31/2026
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Research Technician - Journey
Salary Grade Equivalent
MH06 / GN06
Working Title
Research Technician
Position Number
20059200
Vacancy ID
P021316
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Time-Limited
If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment
1 year
Hours per week
40
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm; some nights and weekends, as needed.
Work Location
CHAPEL HILL, NC
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$40,000 - $45,000
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
Notice to Applicants
This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.
Position Summary 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. 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.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
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.
Position Summary
Are you a driven and detail-oriented scientist eager to advance women's health through microbiome research?
In the Carolina Microbiome and Ecology Lab, we aim to drive innovation in women's health through in-depth exploration of the vaginal microbiome, development of new tools for preclinical testing of microbiome-targeted therapies, and collaboration with academic, industry, community, and clinical partners.
Join our growing team as a Research Technician and contribute directly to the generation of high-quality molecular data supporting translational microbiome science.
Key Responsibilities

• Molecular Biology and Library Preparation: Perform DNA extraction from diverse sample types, develop and optimize qPCR assays, and prepare libraries for next-generation sequencing. Ensure rigorous quality control across all stages of molecular workflows.
• Assay Development and Optimization: Work closely with the principal investigator and research team to assist in the design, validation, and implementation of molecular assays for microbial detection, quantification, and community profiling. Maintain meticulous records of protocols and results.
• Sample and Data Management: Organize, track, and document large sample sets through multiple stages of processing and analysis. Assist in compiling and interpreting data for downstream bioinformatic and statistical analysis.
• Support for Experimental Models: Contribute to bioreactor-based in vitro model experiments as needed, assisting with sample collection, maintenance, and data integration from these systems.
• Laboratory Operations: Maintain laboratory organization and compliance with safety standards. Support ordering, inventory management, and coordination with collaborators to ensure smooth laboratory operations.
• Collaborative Research and Communication: Participate in lab meetings and collaborative discussions within our international vaginal microbiome research network. Share progress, troubleshoot challenges, and contribute to manuscripts and presentations as appropriate.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Management Preferences
Prior experience with qPCR and next-generation sequencing workflows strongly preferred.
Required Licenses/Certifications
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Evening work occasionally, Laboratory, Weekend work occasionally
Special Instructions
Quick Link
https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/324342
Contact Information
Office of Human Resources Contact Information
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.
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.