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Opportunities Database

Faculty, Post-Docs, and Graduate Students: Click here to post a research opportunity.

NOTE: If you are eligible for Federal Work-Study (FWS), you can find hundreds of research opportunities on the FWS website. To find out if you are eligible or if you are new to having a FWS award, visit the UNC FWS website. If you are a returning student who already completed the mandatory training and has access to JobX, log in and click “Find a Job” under the student menu. From there, click the “Research Jobs” button in the middle of the page.

Students with or without FWS can use the database below to look for opportunities.


Research Assistant

Post Date
06/07/2023
Description

We are investigating whether machine learning can better identify increased cardiovascular risk using electrocardiograms (ECGs). The Research Assistant should be able to program a convoluted neural network using Python, R or Matlab. Please email Dr Faisal Syed at faisal_syed@med.unc.edu with your CV, availability and details of relevant experience.

Faculty Advisor
Faisal Syed
Research Supervisor
Faisal Syed
Faculty Email:
Type of Position
Availability
Application Deadline
12/31/2023

Undergraduate Research in Epigenetics, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics

Suggested Fields
Post Date
06/06/2023
Description

Are you fascinated by the mysteries of the epigenome? Interested in unraveling the secrets behind developmental biology and joint/skeletal disease? Look no further! Our lab is seeking a driven sophomore or junior undergraduate researcher to be a part of our studies.

We are investigating the role of a histone-modifying protein KMT2D during skeletal development and interrogating its therapeutic applications in osteoarthritis using a mouse and cell culture model.

Techniques:
– Perform genotyping, PCR, and other standard molecular biology techniques
– Learn to maintain, manipulate, and grow cells in culture
– Mouse dissection and tissue harvesting (if interested)
– Process, section, stain, and image mouse tissue samples
– Immunofluorescence (IF) for markers of interest in cell culture samples

Qualifications:
– Able to commit to approximately 10 hours/week
– Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in a genetics, biology, or related field
– Basic foundation in molecular biology/epigenetics/genetics principles
– Prior hands-on experience with laboratory techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) is a plus but NOT required

Faculty Advisor
Karl Shpargel
Research Supervisor
Gabrielle Quickstad
Type of Position
Availability
Application Deadline
07/31/2023

Undergraduate Research Assistants Needed for a Data Science Project

Post Date
05/16/2023
Description

I’m a PhD student in the sociology department, and I’m currently seeking undergraduate research assistants to support me in the data collection process for my dissertation project. This project lies at the intersection of social science and computational methods. It aims to examine the cross-country diffusion of public interests in feminism by analyzing Google Trends data from nearly 200 countries.

As a research assistant, your responsibilities will include:
– Attending weekly or biweekly meetings with the research supervisor, either in person or via Zoom
– Collecting Google Trends data related to searches on feminism for selected countries
– Translating non-English terms or queries into English
– Writing R codes and/or replicating existing scripts
– Cleaning and wrangling data
– Producing descriptive statistics and data visualizations

Proficiency in coding with R and basic knowledge of statistical analysis are required. Additionally, I’m looking for research assistants who possess an open mindset, are eager to learn, pay close attention to detail, can stick to a schedule, and follow through on deliverables. The research assistantship will begin in Summer 2023 (as soon as can be arranged) and will continue into the coming academic year. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at yunlin@live.unc.edu.

Faculty Advisor
Scott Duxbury
Research Supervisor
Yunlin Li
Faculty Email:
Type of Position
Availability
Application Deadline
12/31/2023

Undergraduate Research on Deep Learning and Neuroimage Analysis

Post Date
05/08/2023
Description

Research opportunities for self-motivated undergraduate students are available in the Brain Research through Analysis and Informatics of Neuroimaging (BRAIN) Lab in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Research Imaging Center (BRIC). Our lab mainly focuses on the development of innovative computational methods and tools based on artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques for processing and analyzing multimodal neuroimaging data for studying brain structure, function, and connectivity during development, aging and disorders in humans and non-human primates. Two research directions are available. The first one is on the development of machine/deep learning methods for analyzing brain MR images. Good command of programming tools e.g., Python, Linux, and scripting are necessary to carry out the research work. The second direction is on applying our developed computational tools to study brain structural, functional and connectivity development during perinatal stages in both normal and at-risk subjects. Students will be expected to dedicate a minimum of 8-10 hours/week to the research project. We strongly encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.

Faculty Advisor
Gang Li
Research Supervisor
Gang Li
Faculty Email:
Type of Position
Availability
Application Deadline
12/31/2023

Transcribers Needed for Social Psychology Lab

Suggested Fields
Post Date
04/24/2023
Description

Interested in research on romantic couples or social interactions? Want to get some experience creating transcriptions in a social psychology lab? We’re looking for a team of volunteer research assistants to create written transcripts from a set of videos of couples interacting in the lab. No experience required, but you must have excellent writing and composition skills, good attention to detail, and a high level of conscientiousness. We will train you on how to use the transcription software to create written transcripts of what is being said. This task will take place in our lab in Davie Hall. Please apply at the application link ASAP. The task is ongoing this summer ’23 and will continue into the ’23-’24 academic year. We’re looking for 8-10 hours/week of volunteered time. Feel free to reach out to Kylie (kyliec@live.unc.edu) with questions.

Faculty Advisor
Sara Algoe
Research Supervisor
Kylie Chandler
Faculty Email:
Type of Position
Availability
Website
Application Deadline
01/01/2024

Undergraduate Research in nanomaterials/photonics/machine learning

Post Date
04/17/2023
Description

The Yan Lab in the Department of Applied Physical Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is looking for a few sophomore or junior undergraduate students to receive training and conduct research in the lab. The lab is equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities for nanomaterials and photonics research, and some of our previous and current undergraduate researchers are co-authors of our papers. If you are interested in nanomaterials/photonics/machine learning, please submit an application at the “Positions” webpage of the lab Website.

Faculty Advisor
Zijie Yan
Research Supervisor
Graduate student or postdoc
Faculty Email:
Type of Position
Availability
Website
Application Deadline
08/31/2023

Digital Content Assistant

Suggested Fields
Post Date
04/04/2023
Description

The intern will work remotely on a couple of projects to support the Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery at the Eshelman School of Pharmacy updating web pages. If the collaboration on websites updates is successful, there will be other opportunities for creating graphics for center events and announcements for both internal and external advertisement. Projects may include but not be limited to Center’s websites, brochures, marketing and promotional materials, email communications, flyers, video, and educational materials.
The intern is expected to maintain graphic and brand standards and having a good working knowledge of layout principles and design concepts. Must have knowledge of mark up and assembly of final layouts for offset and digital printing. Candidate must be well versed in both digital and print production. Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, & WordPress.Ability to manage multiple projects at once, while accurately setting and meeting deadlines. Please email Jubina at jbregu@unc.edu if you are interested.

Faculty Advisor
Alexander Kabanov
Research Supervisor
Jubina Bregu
Faculty Email:
Type of Position
Availability
Application Deadline
12/19/2023

Social Media Strategist for a cancer health equity focused research program

Post Date
04/03/2023
Description

Title: Graduate Assistant (Social Media Strategist)

Hourly Hiring Range: Variable depending on experience.

Approximate Hours: Undergraduate student $13.00/hr, Masters student $17.50/hr, Doctoral student $22.00/hr

Start Date: 4/1/2023 or ASAP

Estimated Duration of Appointment: 6 months

Position Descriptions:
The primary function of this position is to design and manage a social media strategy for a community advisory board named SHARE (Stiving to Hold Accountability in Research Equity) and the Angelic Warrior Foundation. The mission of SHARE is: To work in partnership with researchers at the University of North Carolina to reduce cancer disparities in Black and African American communities by informing research and program development. As a liaison between the community and researchers, the community advisory board will identify community needs, promote evidence-based interventions and information, raise awareness about health disparities in communities, and educate researchers. The core values of SHARE are: Dignity, Humility, Open, Inclusive, Representation, Transparent, Honest, Service, and Accountability.

The Angelic Warrior Foundation’s mission is to increase colorectal cancer awareness and to provide the emotional and financial support that patients, caregivers, and families need in order to thrive. More information about AWF can be found here: https://angelicwarriorfoundation.org

Responsibilities:
● Assist team in effectively engaging, via social media, with cancer survivors and caregivers, especially those who are Black or African American, in order to provide cancer prevention education and information.
● Identify social media platforms (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, etc.) that should be included in the strategy.
● Draft, plan, and post social media content on topics of cancer prevention and control, health, diet, physical activity, health equity, and cancer caregiver support. The frequency of posts will be about 3-4 times per week, with perhaps more postings during special events or awareness months.
● Monitor social media accounts and interact with audiences in order to identify what audiences want to know, in future posts, about cancer prevention and health equity.
● Train additional students to draft, plan, and manage social media posts.

Qualifications Required:

● Advanced skills in using social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, etc.
● Strong writing and communication skills
● Knowledge & Skills in social media content creation
● Understanding of HIPPA
● Knowledge about health equity or cancer disparities

If interested, please send your Curriculum Vitae/Resume and Cover Letter to Dr. Rachel Hirschey (hirschey@unc.edu). Attaching examples of your previous posts on social media is encouraged but not required. Individuals who identify as part of Black/African American communities are encouraged to apply.

Faculty Advisor
Rachel Hirschey
Research Supervisor
Rachel Hirschey
Faculty Email:
Type of Position
Availability
Application Deadline
07/01/2023

Hydrodynamic Quantum Analogs with Walking Droplets

Post Date
01/23/2023
Description

The Physical Mathematics Lab (PML) (Intro Video) offers a wide range of interdisciplinary problems that find motivation in very diverse fields, including soft matter, fluid mechanics, biophysics and quantum mechanics. One of PML’s themes is the study of new Hydrodynamic Quantum Analogs (HQAs) with walking drops (Video). Millimetric liquid drops can walk across the surface of a vibrating fluid bath, self-propelled through a resonant interaction with their own guiding or ‘pilot’ wave fields. These walking drops exhibit features previously thought to be exclusive to the quantum realm. This system has attracted a great deal of attention as it constitutes the first known and directly observable pilot-wave system of the form proposed by de Broglie in 1926 as a rational, realist alternative to the Copenhagen Interpretation (Video & Read). At PML, we work to unveil and rationalize new HQAs, thus challenging the limits between the quantum & classical worlds. Our investigations blend experiments & mathematical modeling (theory & simulations), we can thus tailor your project according to your interests & skills. Prior research experience is not necessary, you just need to be eager to learn!

Faculty Advisor
Pedro Saenz
Research Supervisor
Pedro Saenz
Faculty Email:
Type of Position
Availability
Website
Application Deadline
12/31/2023

Toxic Metals in Water Systematic Review Research Assistant

Post Date
12/14/2022
Description

The Water Institute is seeking student volunteers to participate in a team working on a systematic review of lead and other toxic metals in drinking water systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Students will learn how to conduct a literature review using systematic review software, how to evaluate peer-reviewed literature, and about the prevalence and measurement of lead and other toxic metals in drinking water systems. Students are asked to commit to 10 hours of work per week, with responsibilities including:
• Scan journal literature at the title/abstract level to determine relevance
• Review full-text journal articles to determine relevance to the review and extract study information
• Meet weekly with the full team to discuss the project and progress
• Analyze data to create tables or figures using Excel

If interested, please fill out this interest form: https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cZy1ZpPVITwritw

Faculty Advisor
Michael Fisher
Research Supervisor
Michael Fisher
Faculty Email:
Type of Position
Availability
Application Deadline
06/15/2023

Mathematics Research Assistant Position

Post Date
09/12/2022
Description

This project focuses on local energy estimates for wave equations and their applications. Wave equations have a conserved energy, but as this does not change in time, it fails to capture the dispersive nature wave equations. Instead, if one focuses on the energy within a bounded set, we expect the disturbance to eventually vacate that set leading to decay. This is certainly the case when there is trivial background geometry and waves follow rays. But in the case of nontrivial background geometry, such as a black hole where light can orbit the black hole, the possibilities of trapping occurs and can necessitate finer analyses. Precisely quantifying this is one direction of investigation. Another is the application of these estimates to nonlinear wave equations, and in particular trying to identify how nonlinear structures affect the lifespan of solutions.

Students will be introduced to the wave equation and guided through proofs of some background work. Through a series of exercises, they will be led to newer and newer material and introduced to an open problem. The goal will be to apply these techniques to provide a proof to solve the conjecture. In the process, basic techniques of partial differential equations, positive commutator arguments, local energy estimates, etc. will be introduced.

Students should have at least completed Math 233 and Math 383, though experience with Math 521 is beneficial.

Please send CV, application letter explaining interest, and a list of relevant course work to Dr. Jason Metcalfe.

Faculty Advisor
Jason Metcalfe
Research Supervisor
Jason Metcalfe
Faculty Email:
Type of Position
Availability
Website
Application Deadline
06/15/23