Research Specialist

Research Specialist East Carolina University - 4.3 Greenville, NC Job Details 1 day ago Qualifications Radiation safety procedures Project reporting Research design Laboratory experiment design Records maintenance Laboratory inventory control Laboratory safety Microbiological culture handling Laboratory procurement Research manuscripts Regulatory compliance Protein analysis (analytical chemistry specialty) Radioactive material handling Mid-level Literature reviews Research project design Laboratory reports Biochemical laboratory techniques Bachelor's degree Laboratory sample purification Research safety & compliance Scientific protocols Laboratory standard operating procedures Grant proposals Laboratory preventive maintenance Molecular microbiology Experimental design Research data analysis Laboratory inventory records management Microbiological analysis Full Job Description The Research Specialist will support ongoing research in the Principal Investigator's laboratory, with a primary focus on biochemical and microbiological studies related to protein function in bacterial systems. The position involves independent execution of experiments, data analysis, collaboration with lab members, and maintenance of laboratory operations. Research related to the PI's laboratory Conduct protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization experiments using established and emerging protocols. Perform experiments involving bacterial systems, including strain handling, culture, and downstream biochemical or molecular analyses. Apply knowledge of scientific principles to modify protocols in response to experimental outcomes, literature findings, or changing research goals, with limited supervision. Operate and maintain specialized laboratory instrumentation and equipment relevant to protein and biochemical research. Review and interpret scientific literature to assist in experimental design, method development, and troubleshooting. Identify appropriate data to collect, ensure accurate documentation, and maintain detailed laboratory records. Collaborate with the PI and other laboratory members to plan experiments, analyze results, and refine research approaches. Assist with the preparation of research summaries, reports, figures, and, when requested, materials for manuscripts, grant applications, and progress reports. Laboratory maintenance and administration Assist with inventory management and maintenance of laboratory equipment, supplies, and reagents associated with current and completed projects. Order reagents and consumables; track usage to support budgeting and resource planning. Conduct required regulatory and compliance activities, including chemical inventory management and adherence to laboratory safety guidelines. Prepare buffers, media, and other common laboratory reagents. Participate in routine laboratory upkeep, including cleaning, dishwashing, and basic instrument maintenance. Maintain organized records related to supplies, equipment, and standard operating procedures. Minimum Education/Experience Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; four year degree; or an equivalent combination of training and/or related experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. License or Certification required by statute or regulation None Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education Experience in a BSL2 laboratory with protein expression and purification and/or biochemical analysis (can include undergraduate research or post-baccalaureate research experience) Prior experience working with protein purification techniques, bacterial systems, and biochemical and biophysical analysis of proteins in a research laboratory setting. Experience studying bacterial surface-associated or biofilm-related proteins is encouraged. Radiation safety training and experience working with radioactive materials for biochemical experiments (e.g., 32P). Familiarity with Vibrio species or similar aquatic or environmental bacteria, especially Experience using scientific literature to inform experimental design and troubleshooting License or Certification required by the Department None Special Instructions to Applicant Please ensure your full range of knowledge, skills, abilities, experience and education are listed on your application. Do not write 'see resume' on your application when completing the job duties section. If you answer the questions at the end of the application, please ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences to support your answers (see job duties section of previous employment). Failure to answer the questions at the end of the application will not preclude your application from being considered but may result in your application not receiving full consideration of your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Job Open Date 06/08/2026 Job Close Date - Positions will be posted until 11:59 p.m. EST on this date; If no closing date is indicated, the position will be posted until filled and may close at any time after the recruitment has been completed. 06/16/2026 Open Until Filled No Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/94230 Alternate option 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. Nondiscrimination Statement 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 . Eligibility for Employment 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. Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity 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 . Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.