Research Specialist - Journey

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East Carolina University ( ECU) is consistently ranked among the nation's top public universities for its commitment to research, innovation, social mobility, and public service. Classified as a R1 institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, ECU is among the top 5% of research universities in the United States, an elite designation reflecting the highest levels of research activity, funding, and doctoral output.

Founded in 1907, ECU is a public, four-year university located in Greenville, N.C., which and is widely regarded as the cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of eastern North Carolina. Through education, research, healthcare, community engagement, athletics, cultural enrichment, and service, ECU enhances the quality of life for its students, the state and communities around the world. It is a great place to work, teach, and learn.

ECU's commitment to impactful scholarship is further demonstrated through its repeated Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (2010, 2015, 2024), as well as its 2024 designation as a Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose institution. These distinctions recognize the university's leadership in translating research into meaningful community partnerships and measurable societal benefits.

The university supports its workforce through a wide range of professional development opportunities designed to foster career growth and skill advancement. Eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is a distinguished research and teaching facility of East Carolina University School of Medicine. This department provides an academic base for teacher-scientists employed by the School of Medicine at East Carolina University in the disciplines of microbiology, immunology, molecular biology and other related disciplines. The department provides instruction to medical students and dental students, and provides instruction, guidance, and research experience to Ph.D. and M.S. students seeking degrees in microbiology and immunology. The department also offers a postdoctoral research training program. The department supports an array of faculty-directed research programs of which many are supported by extramural grants and/or contracts. The department provides service to the school, university, state, nation, and to the profession by activities of faculty members on committees, study sections, in professional organizations, as consultants, and through other activities.

This position will provide technical assistance to other laboratory members in using cellular-, genetic-, molecular-, and biochemical-based strategies to study how fibroblastic reticular cells regulate HIV-1 infection of CD4+ T cells and contribute to establishing latent infection. These studies require work under Biosafety Level 2 and 2+ containment, and experimental infections are performed in cellular models. Job Duties include: 85%Work collaboratively with laboratory personnel to achieve the objectives of an NIH-funded research project. Perform highly technical cellular-, molecular biology-, and biochemical-based studies to investigate the roles of fibroblastic reticular cells in HIV-1 infection of CD4+ T cells and HIV-1 latent infection. Conduct research activities under Biosafety Level 2 and 2+ containment conditions. Perform basic cell culture techniques and primary cell isolation procedures. Construct plasmid DNA and prepare cells for RNA seq analysis. Perform western blotting, flow cytometry, and ELISA procedures. Analyze and interpret data generated from laboratory studies. Conduct experimental HIV-1 infections using mammalian cell culture models. Report research findings directly to the Principal Investigator and meet with the Principal Investigator at least weekly. Present research findings during laboratory meetings and actively participate in the interpretation of data. Contribute to the design and development of future studies based on research findings. Collaborate in the preparation of manuscripts for publication using laboratory-generated data. Assist with the preparation of presentations for local, regional, national, and international scientific meetings.15%Ensure the laboratory is well stocked with commonly used disposable supplies, including pipettes, tissue culture flasks, tissue culture plates, pipette tips, and centrifuge tubes. Maintain accurate laboratory records for placed orders and ensure receipts for those orders are processed efficiently. Ensure biological materials and chemicals are stored, handled, and disposed of in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal guidelines.

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.

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Experience and/or coursework in cell culture, biochemistry, and recombinant DNA work.

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If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on budget, UNC salary administration, and/or candidate qualifications.

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. If highest degree earned is from an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, final candidates are required to have their degree validated as equivalent to the degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.