Research Coordinator

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.

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.

The Song Lab in the Department of Pharmacology at UNC-Chapel Hill is seeking a highly motivated Research Coordinator to lead and manage neuroscience research and lab operations. This position exercises discretion and independent judgment in overseeing lab workflows, compliance, and staff, while also contributing to experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. The role is central to ensuring the lab's strategic and operational success, with responsibilities spanning research leadership, lab oversight, and mentorship.

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

At least 2 years of experience in a research laboratory setting.
Demonstrated ability to manage lab operations and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Experience with data analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism, Python, or ImageJ.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.

Experience with advanced neuroscience techniques such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, or fiber photometry.
Prior experience mentoring junior lab members or managing research staff.
Familiarity with rodent models and advanced imaging techniques.
Experience managing lab operations and compliance documentation.
Familiarity with UNC systems (e.g., ConnectCarolina, InfoPorte, RAMSeS) is a plus.
Ability to work independently.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.