Research Associate - Analytical Chemist

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Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School's Strategic Plan ( ).

Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world's most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.

Position Summary

The Advanced Translational Pharmacology and Analytical Chemistry (ATPAC) core lab consists of the Analytical Chemistry and Pharmacology Core (ACPC) lab and the Translational Oncology and Nanoparticle Drug Development Initiative (TONDDI) lab. The ATPAC core lab uses analytical chemistry and pharmacologic infrastructure to support the translational development of drugs, anticancer agents, carrier-mediated agents and biologics. The lab provides expertise in translational drug development, analytical chemistry, pharmacology [pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD); efficacy and toxicity], and biomarker studies.

The Research Associate position includes acting as the lab manager and as an analytical chemist the UNC Advanced Translational Pharmacology and Analytical Chemistry (ATPAC) Lab with guidance from the Director Dr. William Zamboni.

As related to the lab manager requirements, s/he will be expected to contribute consistent process improvement to all systems in the laboratory including communicating and managing changes to these lab processes. The position focuses on working directly with collaborators, managing laboratory operations, performing and training users for LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS analyses. The Research Associate will support grant, contract and publication submissions by contributing budgets and writing key sections. This position will also be responsible for generating, submitting, and documenting costs, invoices, and payments for internal and external UNC projects.

As related to the analytical chemist requirements, this position will develop and validate analytical assays and analyze samples in blood/plasma, tissue, and tumors samples as part of preclinical and clinical pharmacology studies. The position holder will work independently to provide support to collaborator-sponsored projects in the lab; program, operate, and troubleshoot equipment and related IT systems; optimize and perform analytical assays; and serve as a backup resource for phenotypic screening assays. This position will also be expected to present work locally and at scientific conferences.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required in Applied or Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or pharmacology; or relevant Bachelor's degree and 3 years of experience in the following areas: Applied or Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or pharmacology. Experience working in a research or commercial lab, strong analytical chemistry background (particularly in LCMSMS assays and handling biological samples), and laboratory/personnel management.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Ability to apply knowledge of sample and data collection, storage, and organization; ability to compile, assimilate and organize both printed and electronic sample records; ability to identify and understand issues, problems, and opportunities and to use effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; ability to clearly convey, both verbally and in writing, information and ideas to individuals and groups; and ability to use correct grammar, organization, and structure, laboratory/personnel management.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

Apply online at, a cover letter, CV/resume and a list of at least three (3) professional references with their full contact information.

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