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The University of North Carolina

Research Scientist (Kelada Lab)

The University of North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

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Research Scientist (Kelada Lab)

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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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. Chapel Hill offers a wide range of professional training opportunities, exclusive perks, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports a healthy work/life balance.

Position Summary Dr. Samir Kelada’s Laboratory in the Department of Genetics in the UNC School of Medicine is seeking a Research Scientist. The Kelada Lab’s research is aimed at identifying gene‑environment interactions with air pollution exposure that affect the development and progression of respiratory diseases. The primary purpose of this new position is to design, execute and analyze experiments using mouse models of air pollution‑induced respiratory disease, with a focus on identifying genetic and genomic predictors of adverse responses.

Responsibilities

Design, execute and analyze experiments using mouse models of air pollution‑induced respiratory disease.

Oversee large‑scale projects that measure pulmonary and immune responses to air pollution across inbred strains of mice, using flow cytometry, flow sorting and gene expression or epigenomic analyses.

Carry out basic and complex statistical analyses of the data, including characterizing the effect of air pollution exposure on pulmonary and immune responses, differential gene expression in specific cell types, and spatial transcriptomic analyses of specific lung regions.

Conduct quantitative genetic analysis (QTL mapping) of specific endpoints measured in mouse experimental crosses.

Lead efforts to present the results of these projects in lab meetings and conferences.

Minimum Education & Experience

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, & Experience

Post‑doctoral fellowship in a related field and/or experience in other industry or government setting.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, & Experience

PhD in genetics/molecular biology or toxicology/environmental health.

Experience with mouse models of environmentally‑induced pulmonary disease, including phenotyping using bronchoalveolar lavage and tissue collection.

Flow cytometry and FACS sorting of cellular populations isolated from the murine lung and other organs.

Demonstrated proficiency with standard statistical approaches for biomedical data using R software.

Demonstrated proficiency in analysis of bulk RNA‑seq data using R software, including visualization approaches.

Proficiency with design spatial transcriptomics experiments and resulting data analysis.

Experience with quantitative trait locus mapping methods in experimental crosses.

Experience in giving scientific presentations.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements The candidate will be required to perform lab tasks and procedures that involve physical dexterity. The applicant must be willing to work with and handle mice, including performing dissections.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 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.

Contact Information Department Contact: Sam Robinson — Sam_Robinson@med.unc.edu

Human Resources: (919) 843-2300 or employment@unc.edu

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