The UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) is a world-renowned center and a global leader in precision nutrition research. Our on-site facilities include multiple wet labs and clinical facilities as well as a vivarium and a metabolic chamber. Approximately two hours from UNC-Chapel Hill, the NRI is located on the beautiful North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) in Kannapolis, NC, a mid-size city with a small-town feel. The institute is within walking distance of the city center which includes shops, restaurants, a minor-league ballpark, theater, and music hall of fame. We are also a short drive to Charlotte and Winston-Salem/Greensboro. The NRI 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. We also offer professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development, and lifelong learning.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Learning how people can eat uniquely!

The UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) is an internationally recognized center conducting innovative basic and translational science to establish how individual differences in nutrient requirements and responses to diet affect our nutritional needs. Our research contributes to the prevention and mitigation of chronic disease across the lifespan from periconception through aging.

Our Mission is to lead precision nutrition research through understanding how genetics and environment affect an individual's requirements for and responses to nutrients.

NRI principal investigators hold faculty appointments in the departments of Nutrition and Psychology at UNC Chapel Hill. Their research interrogates nutrient roles in disease prevention, disease risk factors, and the impact of gene-environment and gene-nutrient interactions.

The NRI promotes excellence in nutrition knowledge, teaching, and research. We seek and encourage a diversity of experiences and ideas and provide the tools and flexibility for all employees to achieve success and excellence within their chosen occupations and aspirations.

We are committed to open dialogue, careful listening, becoming educated about the systems that hinder or prevent success, and taking action to ensure that all are equally acknowledged for their contributions and equally reap the benefits of being part of our community.

Our Vision is to use scientific discovery to ensure optimal health through individualized nutrition.

Everyone who works at the NRI supports this hopeful vision. Working at the NRI means doing good for the world. Join us!

The NRI and this position are in Kannapolis, NC, in the Charlotte region.

Position Summary

The Sumner Lab is seeking a Research Technician who has experience in mass spectrometry to join our team and conduct metabolomics analysis. Selected responsibilities include sample preparation, data acquisition and analysis using HPLC high resolution mass spectrometry, quality control reviews, participation in meetings, literature reviews, and presentations.

The Research Technician will work as an integral part of the Sumner Lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Nutrition Research Institute to conduct metabolomics investigations in nutrition, environmental exposures, and metabolic individuality. The Research Technician will acquire, analyze, and interpret findings using HPLC coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry, software for statistical and multivariate analysis, and pathway mapping. The incumbent must have a good understanding of the quality control and data analysis procedures used in mass spectrometry metabolomics studies. Additionally, the Research Technician may participate in establishing and applying new methods in metabolomics data capture and analysis.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

* Experience in mass spectrometry for detection and identification of small molecules.

* Experience in biospecimen extraction. Preparation, handling, storage, and disposal of biospecimens derived from humans and model systems.

* Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

* Demonstrated strong critical thinking skills, self-direction & motivation, project management skills, communication skills, time management skills, and organizational skills.

* Experience working with Thermo software for high resolution mass spectrometry, Microsoft Office, UMetrics or equivalent software, and Mummichog or equivalent software.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

* Bachelor's in chemistry, biochemistry, or other related field.

* Experience with acquiring data, formatting and preprocessing targeted mass spectrometry data, and untargeted MS data capture.

* Experience with multivariate analysis and pathway mapping.

* Experience organizing and tracking standards in chemical inventories.

* Experience matching MS/MS signals/fragmentation patterns to RT, Exact Mass, MS/MS libraries and Public Databases.

* Experience developing and expanding MS standard libraries.

* Demonstrated knowledge of NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics.

* Experience with HPLC separation techniques.

Required Licenses/Certifications Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/279022