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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 that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.
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
We are seeking a motivated Research Technician to join our cancer biology and cancer genomics research laboratory at an academic medical center for a full-time summer research experience. The selected student will work closely with and support a designated postdoctoral fellow or graduate research assistant on ongoing translational research projects focused on tumor evolution, immune interactions, and genomic mechanisms of cancer progression.
Responsibilities may include assisting with molecular biology experiments (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, library preparation), tissue culture, sample processing, and basic bioinformatics or data organization tasks. The student will help maintain accurate laboratory records, participate in lab meetings, and contribute to data analysis and figure preparation as appropriate. Training will be provided, and responsibilities will be tailored to the student’s prior experience and career goals.
This position is ideal for students considering graduate or medical training in cancer biology, genomics, computational biology, or related biomedical sciences. The experience will emphasize scientific rigor, reproducibility, critical thinking, and collaborative research practices within a team-based laboratory environment.
The summer researcher will gain hands-on experience in cancer research, mentorship from senior trainees, and exposure to the design and interpretation of cutting-edge genomic studies. Opportunities to contribute to abstracts or manuscripts may be available depending on performance and project progress.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Management Preferences
Knowledge in biology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines.
Prior laboratory experience
Strong organizational skills
Strong attention to detail
Willingness to learn
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.