Research Assistant and Laboratory Manager - Peng Lab

North Carolina State University

$48,000-$52,000

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Sep 04, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194215EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Research Assistant and Laboratory Manager - Peng Lab
Anticipated Hiring Range	$48,000-$52,000
Work Schedule	Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences
About the Department	The Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences trains scientists interested in research-based careers focused on the discovery of new knowledge about animal and human health and disease and using those findings to enhance animal and human health and well-being. Students get in depth knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of disease, and experience in the development of new procedures which enable its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Our faculty are recognized experts in the fields of cell biology and physiology, cancer biology, developmental biology, environmental science and toxicology, genomics, infectious diseases, neuroscience, pharmacology, radiology, and reproductive biology. Our goals are to advance animal and human health through innovative basic and applied research, and by mentoring and inspiring students, providing world-class clinical and diagnostic services, and offering the public the latest knowledge through innovative extension and engagement activities. Our research faculty works in state-of-the-art research facilities. Several graduate programs are available to students interested in working with faculty in the Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences. In addition, faculty oversee following clinical sections: anesthesia, clinical nutrition, pharmacology, and the radiology residency.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	The Peng Lab uses data-driven strategies to study the immune system and infection. The goal is to uncover underlying molecular mechanisms and to identify targets of intervention as well as biomarkers for clinical applications. We focus on computational analysis of high-throughput omics data combined with experimental validation. The Lab is housed in the College of Veterinary Medicine ( CVM) Research Building located at the NCSU Biomedical Centennial Campus and is part of NCSU Bioinformatics Research Center. Join our team as a Research Assistant and Laboratory Manager. In this role you w ill play a key role in advancing innovative research while keeping the lab running at its best. This position blends independent research with lab management, offering the opportunity to shape projects, mentor others, and contribute to impactful scientific discoveries. Research & Discovery Design, perform, and optimize experiments to test research hypotheses. Develop and refine experimental protocols and workflows. Conduct molecular biology techniques including RNA/DNA isolation, sequencing, qRT-PCR, and high-throughput library screens. Maintain animal and human cell lines; perform in vitro infections with human and animal pathogens. Analyze and interpret data; prepare results for publications, reports, and grant proposals. Lab Operations Oversee daily lab management including supplies, inventory, and equipment upkeep. Manage sample acquisition, storage, and accurate recordkeeping. Ensure compliance with safety standards and proper handling of hazardous materials. Partner with the PI on project planning and budget management. Mentorship & Collaboration Guide and support trainees and junior scientists. Share knowledge and foster collaboration across the lab. Present findings and contribute to manuscripts and publications. Maintain safety plans, chemical inventories, and regulatory documentation. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled researcher who thrives at the bench, values collaboration, and enjoys mentoring others while keeping a research program running smoothly.
Other Responsibilities	In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's degrees in a relevant field with 2 years of research experience
Other Required Qualifications	Demonstrated organizational skills with accuracy and attention to detail in managing complex lab tasks. Proven ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative projects and team outcomes. Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting data and solving scientific problems. Effective communication and documentation skills, including maintaining precise records and contributing to publications or presentations. Hands-on knowledge of lab equipment and procedures, with a track record of learning and applying new experimental techniques.
Preferred Qualifications	Formal training in microbiology with applied laboratory or research experience. Research background in non-coding RNAs and their role in immunity, demonstrated through experiments, publications, or presentations. Proven experience generating novel CRISPR/Cas9-based knockdown, knockout, or overexpression human cell lines. Hands-on use of recent sequencing technologies (e.g., Nanopore, 10x Genomics) with demonstrated application in research projects. Proficiency in maintaining mammalian cell cultures (A549, 293FT, MDCK, SUPT1, THP1) with consistent experimental outcomes. Experience developing and managing budgets to support research project proposals. Demonstrated contributions to successful grant applications or competitive research funding.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	09/03/2025
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00111566
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	194001 - Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.