Research Specialist - Dr. Lai's lab

Overview

Department: SOP-DPMP - 452400

Career Area : Research Professionals

Posting Open Date: 01/23/2026

Final date to receive applications: 01/29/2026

Position Type: Temporary Staff (SHRA)

Position Title : Research Specialist - Dr. Lai's lab

Position Number:

Vacancy : S026782

Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Proposed

Start Date:

02/16/2026

Estimated Duration of Appointment: 6 months not to exceed 11 months

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 community, campus, and opportunities, Carolina offers professional training opportunities and exclusive perks for career growth and development.

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is one of six health science schools at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 Pharm

D students and 145 graduate students and is recognized for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, and multidisciplinary research. The School’s strategic plan guides its ongoing initiatives.

The Lai lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Temporary Research Specialist to support various ongoing projects in antibody engineering, viral vector engineering, and/or bacteriophage biology and gut microbiome engineering. The position performs routine-to-intermediate molecular biology, microbiology and cell biology workflows, maintains accurate documentation, and helps ensure smooth lab operations through inventory tracking and maintenance of reagents and labware.

The successful candidate will work closely with the PI and lab members to execute established protocols, maintain a clean and safe work environment, and contribute to reproducible, well-documented experimental outcomes. The Lai Lab has a strong track record of advancing innovations at the interface of immunology and engineering into clinical applications, with numerous inventions currently undergoing clinical and preclinical development.

We welcome applications from applicants who can contribute unique expertise toward this effort.

• Perform common molecular biology techniques, including DNA production and purification, plasmid preps, PCR cleanup, restriction digests, ligations, cloning, gel electrophoresis, PCR, and qPCR; protein workflows include 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, and 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 workflows (e.g., vector titering, flow cytometry, and vector production/purification) following established lab SOPs.
• Support protein/antibody workflows, including 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.

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.

• 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).

Not Applicable.

Please submit a Resume/CV with a cover letter describing your lab experience and interest in phage/microbiome work, as well as contact information for 1–3 references.