Research Assistant

About the job

Work Schedule

Full-time (40 hours/week), Monday–Friday, generally 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Flexibility required for occasional early morning or evening participant visits and recruitment activities.

Hiring Range

$45,000–$52,959 annually, commensurate with education and experience

Pay Band Information

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Be a Tar Heel!

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 for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The UNC Adams School of Dentistry Division of Pediatric and Public Health provides oral health care for individuals from infancy through adolescence, and promotes the prevention of oral disease.

Position Summary

This position serves as the Research Assistant for the ADAPT clinical trial, an NIH-funded, randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled study investigating marine lipid precursors of specialized pro-resolving mediators in adults with chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-related pain.

The Research Assistant supports the day-to-day conduct of study activities in accordance with the approved protocol, institutional policies, and applicable Federal regulations governing human subjects research. Primary responsibilities include assisting with participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, enrollment, and retention; distributing and posting IRB-approved recruitment materials; preparing study materials for participant visits; assisting with standardized clinical assessment procedures following training and calibration; and providing operational support to the Clinical Research Coordinator during participant visits and other study activities. Occasional work outside of standard business hours (including early mornings or evenings) may be required to accommodate participant scheduling and study visits. The position is responsible for collecting, processing, storing, and shipping biological specimens in accordance with study protocols and laboratory procedures and serves as a backup phlebotomist for the study. Additional responsibilities include supporting accurate study data collection, data entry, maintenance of study records and participant tracking systems, and preparation of study materials and administrative documentation necessary for efficient study operations.

Working under the direction of the Clinical Operations Lead, the Research Assistant collaborates closely with the Clinical Research Coordinator, investigators, clinical staff, laboratory personnel, and study participants to ensure study activities are conducted in compliance with protocol requirements, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and human subjects protection requirements.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences

• Experience working in clinical research, healthcare, or other human subjects research settings.

• Experience supporting participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, retention, and other study coordination activities.

• Experience collecting, processing, storing, and shipping biological specimens in accordance with established research protocols and safety requirements.

• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, human subjects research requirements, and clinical research documentation and confidentiality practices.

• Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse study participants, faculty, staff, and clinical personnel; manage multiple concurrent responsibilities with accuracy and attention to detail; maintain confidential research and clinical information; and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, and occasionally lift or transport study materials and laboratory supplies during participant visits and recruitment activities.

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.