Research Specialist - Dr. Lai's lab

Overview

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 is responsible to perform routine-to-intermediate molecular biology, microbiology and cell biology workflows, maintain accurate documentation, and help 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 from the lab currently undergoing active clinical and preclinical development.

We broadly welcome applications from top applicants who can contribute unique expertise towards this effort.

• 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 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.