Research Assistant - Cheatham Lab

Posting Information

Department Nutrition Research Institute - 633300

Career Area Research Professionals

Posting Open Date 07/30/2025

Application Deadline 08/13/2025

Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)

Position Title Research Assistant - Cheatham Lab

Position Number 20072005

Vacancy ID S025873

Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary

Hours per week 40

Work Schedule

Must be able to work a flexible work schedule as needed, including evenings and weekends.

Position Location North Carolina, US

Hiring Range $20.00 - $22.00/per hour

Proposed Start Date

Estimated Duration of Appointment 6 months not to exceed 11 months

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

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 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

NOTE: This position is located in Kannapolis, NC, approx. 2 hours from UNC’s main campus. No remote work is available in this position.

The person hired into this position will join the Cheatham Nutrition & Cognition Laboratory, where we investigate how nutrition can improve infants’ and older adults’ brain function. Specifically, our team studies the importance of nutrients for the development of memory and attention abilities. The person hired into this position will be responsible for identifying and recruiting infants and older adults to participate in ongoing studies; conducting study sessions; collecting and summarizing data; maintaining databases; operating and maintaining scientific equipment; and ensuring supplies are stocked.

This position will have an active role in data collection. IRB and HIPAA training will be provided.

Depending on business needs and team fit, the position may transition into a full-time, benefited role. It’s an exciting opportunity to build a rewarding career with us.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Specific knowledge of developmental cognitive neuroscience research procedures.
  
• Experience with developmental cognitive neuroscience techniques.
  
• Ability to identify study populations and recruit participants, including infants, into ongoing studies.
  
• Knowledge of the principles of informed consent.
  
• Large database management skills required.
  
• Knowledge of administration of standardized tests (e.g., ability to follow a script exactly every time).
  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to quickly build rapport with families.
  
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
  
• Ability to talk easily on the phone and in person to people from all walks of life.
  
• Ability to quickly acquire contacts within the community leadership (i.e. county and city leaders, medical professionals, pastors, and social service personnel) in order to facilitate recruiting efforts.
  
• Ability to quickly familiarize self with the local metro area.
  
• Reliable transportation to attend speaking engagements, and to deliver brochures and posters.
  
• High degree of professionalism.
  

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Familiarity with the EGI electrophysiology system.
  

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• Must be able to lift infants and toddlers (up to 30 lbs.) and to sit for extended periods of time.
  
• Must be able to stand for extended periods with a slight bend to back (i.e., applying ERP net). Duties to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
  

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.