Research Specialist - Dr. Lai's lab

Overview

Be a Tar Heel! A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Department SOP-DPMP - 452400

Career Area Research Professionals

Posting Open Date 01/23/2026

Final date to receive applications 02/03/2026

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

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 DNA production, purification and cleanup (e.g., plasmid preps, PCR cleanup), restriction digests, ligations, cloning, gel electrophoresis, PCR, and qPCR.
• 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.

• Minimum Education And Experience Requirements 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.
• Management Preferences 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).
• Campus Security Authority Responsibilities 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.