Research Specialist

Monday - Friday, between 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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 that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences ( EMES) and the Institute of Marine Sciences at UNC-CH advances understanding of the earth and ocean processes that govern our planet, shape diverse ecosystems, sustain life, and drive environmental change. We promote exploration and discovery of the natural world by engaging students in research-based learning at all levels. Our graduates are equipped with the strong science foundation, critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives required to tackle current and future environmental and resource challenges. We encourage engaged service that translates knowledge for the public good. We are committed to fostering a supportive academic environment, encouraging the exchange of varied perspectives, and promoting collaboration across disciplines and communities.

This position will focus on developing and conducting controlled laboratory experiments to investigate ice-ocean interactions, including turbulent heat, salt, and momentum exchange at ice boundaries. The Research Specialist will design and implement experiments in the Joint Fluids Lab wave tank facility, analyze resulting data, and work closely with modelers to connect experimental insights to numerical simulations and field observations.

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Experience designing and conducting laboratory experiments in fluid dynamics, ideally with stratified flows. Familiarity with experimental methods for studying turbulence, boundary layers, or heat/salt transfer. Strong quantitative and analytical skills for processing and interpreting experimental data.

Experience with laboratory facilities such as wave tanks or rotating tables. Familiarity with advanced flow measurement and visualization techniques (e.g., Particle Image Velocimetry, Laser-Induced Fluorescence, salinity/temperature microstructure probes). Ability to integrate laboratory results with numerical models and experience/interest in running numerical fluid dynamics models.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

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.