Research Core Development
Research Cores/Service Centers (RSC), commonly referred to as recharge units and/or research core facilities, are operational units that provide goods, specific technical, or administrative services to UNC-Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) users or external entities.
The Research Core Development (RCD) Team will offer a resource and team to provide campus additional support for RSC management. The RCD team, in a partnership between the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research (OVCR) and the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), will collaborate with OSP’s Cost Analysis and Compliance unit and RSC leadership to develop and implement new capabilities and business processes designed to streamline core management, rate development, business workflows, and general core facility administration.
About
- Ben Wright – Director of Research Core Development
Ben has six years of experience at OSP as the point of contact for internal and external audits of sponsored projects and manager of the pre-audit, subrecipient monitoring, and post-audit functions. Ben has led UNC through multiple Statewide Single Audits, and numerous other audits of sponsored projects, and has been involved in business process, policy, and internal control improvements. -
Michael Akridge – Financial Analyst
Michael has worked at UNC since 2002, holding positions as a UNC Police Officer and as a Systems and Contract Specialist at Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Accounts Payable, Purchasing, and Asset Management. He has experience reconciling and auditing purchasing and asset records involving complex and intricate funding sources, and has utilized his knowledge, attention to detail, and experience in policy and process development to be a leader training numerous departments across UNC.
- Partner with departments, schools, and existing recharge centers to develop a campus-wide Core strategy
- Survey equipment and resources to establish a central asset repository
- Consult on core management and business process improvement
- Assist with solutions for marketing core facility services
- Provide options for treatment of rapidly changing or volatile rates
- Assist with more frequent rate reviews
- Solicit feedback from campus regarding other beneficial services to consider and develop in the future
- Engagement
- Equipment/Resource Survey and Analysis
- Financial Reporting Tools
- Rate Review Support/Improvements
- Central Website
Core Facility Financial Reporting
- Core Facility Financial Reports
- Core Facility Financial Reporting Tableau Reports Frequently Asked Questions
- Core Facility Reporting Tools Session
Rate Review Guidance
Research Core External Agreements
Resources
- UNC SOM Core Facilities Website
- Core Facilities Advocacy Committee (CFAC)
- OSP Operating Standards: Office of Sponsored Research – 900.01 – Research Service Centers
- NC Biotechnology Center Cores Website
- iLab
- Research Service Center Rate Increases
Forms
- RSC Operating Plan Form
Clicking the link for the Operating Plan Form will automatically download the form to your computer’s designated download folder. Open the file from that download folder using Adobe Acrobat DC or Adobe Acrobat Reader. - Rate Development Worksheet – With Member Subsidy (30 rates)
- Rate Development Worksheet – No Member Subsidy (30 rates)
If your core expects to utilize more than 30 rates, please use the following worksheets:
Research Core Agreements
Process
A service agreement should be in place before beginning any work for an external client. UNC-CH has a pre-approved agreement template that may be requested and used. OSP’s Contracting team will work with RSCs to complete these agreements. Use the buttons at the bottom of this page to access the online fillable forms. Once the form is complete, select the “Submit” button to route the request to the OSP Contracting Team. Please see the guidance for more information. As a reminder, RSCs DO NOT have the ability to negotiate or sign their own agreements. Please contact OSPContracting@unc.edu with any questions.
To Request a Research Service Center/Core Agreement template:
Please submit a request using the Request New Template form on this website. The pre-approved UNC-CH OSP template will be sent to the submitter’s email. If the Core already has a template, then they can continue to use the current template. They do not need to request a new one.
The Core should use the template provided by OSP Contracting moving forward.
To Submit a Research Service Center/Core Agreement template:
- Complete the Research Service Center/Core Agreement template, attach the custom quote or rate sheet as applicable, and provide to the client to sign.
- Once the signed agreement is returned, upload the agreement using the Submit an Agreement form.
- Once the UNC-CH agreement has been signed by the client, work can begin without waiting for UNC signature.
If Core Template Needs Updates:
If the core needs an amendment to the original agreement with a client, such as an extension or service update, or the Core has recieved new or updated rates and they use a Rate Sheet in their agreements, this information and/or these new rates should be submitted via the Submit Update Request form. This is not needed if the Core uses the rates on their website or custom quotes for their agreements.
The OSP Industry Contracting team will work with the RSC and client to finalize an agreement. RSCs DO NOT have the ability to negotiate or sign their own agreements.
If Changes or Client Agreement is needed:
If the client would like to use their own agreement or would like changes made to the UNC-CH template, please submit a request via the Submit Change Request form. Provide a description of the requested changes, the client contact information and upload the client’s agreement, if available.
Use the buttons below to access the online forms. See the Research Core Agreements guidance for more information.
Research Core Facilities at UNC
| Core Name - Description | Primary Contact | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Abacus Evaluation Abacus is a program evaluation and research consultancy committed to amplifying our clients’ impact and effectiveness. Our work fosters innovation and advances equity in research and health outcomes through evaluation. | Gaurav Dave Email: abacus@unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Advanced Analytics Core (Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease) We provide high-quality, quantitative solutions for studying proteins and nucleic acids at the bulk or single-cell level. | Carlton Anderson Email: canderson@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 260-3461 | Genetics and Genomics |
| Advanced Translational Pharmacology and Analytical Chemistry (ATPAC) Core Lab The ATPAC core lab uses analytical chemistry and pharmacologic infrastructure to support the translational development of drugs, anticancer agents, carrier-mediated agents and biologics. | Robert St. Claire Email: rstclaire@unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Analytical Chemistry |
| AHS DXA Imaging DXA is a unique imaging procedure that allows for the calculation and analysis of differential body tissues within a subject and allows for the collection of bone mineral density data. DXA imaging is performed by ARRT registered technologists trained in the rigors of clinical trial imaging and data collection. | Valerie Tan Email: vtan@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-4828 | Microscopy and Imaging |
| Animal Clinical Laboratory Services The Animal Clinical Laboratory Services Core provides hematological and clinical chemistry testing as well as multiplexed biomarker immunoassays. | Ling Wang Email: lwang1@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-3653 | Animal Husbandry, Surgery and Phenotyping |
| Animal Models Core We offer production, validation and use of CRISPR/Cas9 custom nucleases for production of mutant mice, rats or cell lines! As an early adopter of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we have developed deep expertise in the use of CRISPR/Cas9 nucleases for genome editing. Contact us today to discuss your project needs. | Dale Cowley Email: dcowley@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-9125 | Animal Husbandry, Surgery and Phenotyping |
| Animal Models Core - Marsico Lung Institute The Marsico Lung Institute/UNC Cystic Fibrosis Center Animal Models Core is dedicated to providing access and specialized expertise to conduct in vivo studies with animal models (primarily mouse) that provide insights into pulmonary disease pathophysiology and treatment. | Wanda O'Neal Email: woneal@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-1097 | Animal Husbandry, Surgery and Phenotyping |
| Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Lab The Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Lab provides analysis that is used to determine the levels of arsenate, methylated and other organic forms of arsenic in solutions and/or matrices. | Mirek Styblo Email: styblo@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-5721 | Metabolomics, Proteomics, and Mass Spectrometry |
| BeAM Design Innovation Hub We facilitate and complement research of all types by providing engineering consultation, design, fabrication, assembly, and select repair services in a wide range of disciplines. | Glenn W. Walters Email: walters@unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-3531 | Fabrication, Nanofabrication, and Engineering |
| Biobehavioral Laboratory Our mission of the BBL is to improve public health and research by providing services and training in quality non-invasive measures and data science to advance biobehavioral sciences across several domains. | Mathew Steadman Email: msteadma@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-7598 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Bioinformatics and Analytics Research Collaborative (BARC) We are a multi disciplinary center that aims to provide bioinformatics expertise and analysis to researchers across the university and beyond for high throughput data. We analyze, visualize, interpret, and manage big data while also offering custom solutions to fit our researchers’ needs. | Tyler Cook Email: Tyler_cook@med.unc.edu Phone: 9194450871 | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics |
| Biology Microscopy Core We provide the Department of Biology and broader UNC community with access, training and assistance with a wide array of high-end imaging systems, for epifluorescence, TIRF, confocal, spinning disk and super-resolution, as well as image analysis. | Nat Prunet Email: nprunet@unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-4398 | Microscopy and Imaging |
| Biology Photolab The Department of Biology prints posters for personnel inside the University. | Brian Nalley Email: bnalley@bio.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-2419 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Biology Plant Growth Facility The Biology Plant Growth Facility, a.k.a the Greenhouse. The Department of Biology rents bench space in the Greenhouse to University personnel as well as outside organizations. | Kate Palmer Email: katharine.palmer@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-3454 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Biomarker Mass Spectrometry Core Facility Our core provides expertise for qualitative and quantitative analysis of a variety of biomarkers using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry instrumentation. | Zhenfa Zhang Email: zhenfaz@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-2664 | Metabolomics, Proteomics, and Mass Spectrometry |
| Biomedical Research Imaging Center (BRIC) We provide world-class clinical and preclinical imaging services to researchers within the University system and to researchers from institutions and companies in the surrounding area with cutting-edge imaging hardware such as PET/MR,PET/CT, MRI, SPECT, Optical Imaging, and Ultrasound. | Angela High Creighton Email: angela_creighton@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-7666 | Microscopy and Imaging |
| Biometric Consulting Laboratory The Biometric Consulting Laboratory, a component of the Department of Biostatistics at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, provides collaborative biostatistical consultation for study design and data analysis for investigators. | Gary Koch Email: bcl@bios.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-7282 | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics |
| BioSpecimen Processing Facility The Facility provides laboratory support for investigator-initiated large-scale clinical, epidemiologic, and other studies and functions as a human biospecimen repository. It also serves as a resource for clinicians who wish to store and study samples from unusual or potentially important patients. | Patricia Basta Email: patricia_basta@unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-3860 | Biospecimen Collection and Processing |
| Biostatistics Computer Services The service center enables our biostatisticians to perform the following services for sponsored research on campus: statistical simulations, symbolic mathematic computation, and data analysis, all using specialized software. | Wesley Winkelman Email: wwinkelm@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-7291 | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics |
| Biostatistics Core (Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease) Our core provides an interface between basic scientists, clinical researchers, and informatics specialists to support translational research. | Amy Smither Email: amy_smither@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-8381 | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics |
| Cancer Information and Population Health Resource (CIPHR) Core CIPHER develops and maintains comprehensive and prospectively linked population-based datasets for cancer research. | CIPHR Core Email: ciphr@unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Cardiovascular Physiology and Phenotyping Core (CPPC) - McAllister Heart Institute We provide surgical, imaging and functional assessment services with a focus on cardiovascular system in rodents. | Aung Moe Zaw Email: aung-moe_zaw@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-3036 | Animal Husbandry, Surgery and Phenotyping |
| Carolina Population Center Carolina Demography Carolina Demography | Nathan Dollar Email: ntdollar@unc.edu Phone: (919) 445-6911 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Carolina Population Center Research IT Service Center CPC Research IT Service Center | Jamie Smith Email: jmsmith@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-3646 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Carolina Survey Research Laboratory The Carolina Survey Research Laboratory (CSRL) provides expertise in the areas of survey and questionnaire design as well as data collection to the research community since its founding in 1990, when it was known as the Survey Research Unit (SRU). Working under grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements, the CSRL has conducted hundreds of collaborative studies at the national, state, regional, and local levels across a broad spectrum of issues. | Robert Agans Email: agans@unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-3282 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Center for AIDS Research - Biostatistics Core (F) The purpose of the CFAR Biostatistics Core is to accelerate successful HIV/AIDS research by direct provision of biostatistical support and by arranging mutually beneficial collaborations between CFAR researchers and statistical scientists. | Michael Hudgens Email: mhudgens@bios.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-7253 | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics |
| Center for AIDS Research - Clinical Core (C) The goal of the UNC CFAR Clinical Core is to enhance all aspects of human HIV research. We provide easy access to comprehensive clinical services, resources and expertise supporting basic science, translational, clinical and public health research. | Joseph J. Eron Email: joseph_eron@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-2722 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Center for AIDS Research - Clinical Pharmacology and Analytical Chemistry Core € The Clinical Pharmacology and Analytical Chemistry (CPAC) Core facilitates the development of safe, effective strategies for HIV prevention, treatment, and cure. To achieve this goal, the CPAC Core provides expertise in small molecule drug development to assist investigators in nearly all aspects of HIV pharmacology research. This full-spectrum support, unique to our Core facility, helps advance preclinical and clinical HIV research towards ending the HIV epidemic. | Mackenzie Cottrell Email: mlcottre@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-0321 | Drug Development |
| Center for AIDS Research - Development Core (B) The Developmental Core provides mentoring support for early stage investigators who are interested in pursuing an HIV research career. We work collaboratively with other CFAR Cores to identify scientific and career mentors as needed, upon request. | Cathy Emrick Email: cathy@unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-2536 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Center for AIDS Research - HIV/STD Laboratory Core (J) The HIV/STD Laboratory Core of the UNC CFAR offers services and collaborations to HIV researchers for their basic and clinical research projects. The Core provides a GCLP environment for specimen processing and testing. The HIV/STD Laboratory Core consults and collaborates with researchers at UNC-CH, RTI International, and FHI 360 (as well as outside researchers). | Kristina de Paris Email: abelk@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-9560 | Biospecimen Collection and Processing |
| Center for AIDS Research - International Core (I) Research partnerships in Africa and Asia are central to the success of the UNC CFAR, whose organizing purpose is to change the course of the epidemic through discovery. Toward this end, we have made extensive, sustained investments in HIV research and training sites in Africa and Asia. | Jeff Stringer Email: jeff_stringer@unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-0756 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Center for AIDS Research - Social and Behavioral Science Core (G) The UNC CFAR Social and Behavioral Science Research Core seeks to facilitate and support new collaborative HIV-related research that is interdisciplinary and inter-institutional. | Eunice Okumu Email: eunice_okumu@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-2532 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Center for AIDS Research Administrative Core (A) The Administrative Core supports and promotes the entire range of basic, clinical, prevention, social, behavioral, and translational HIV research activities throughout the UNC CFAR. It provides the interface with community and advocacy groups, including sponsoring a yearly HIV/AIDS care symposium and the World AIDS Day symposium. | Ronald Swanstrom Email: risunc@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-5710 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Center for Hybrid Approaches in Solar Energy to Liquid Fuels (CHASE) Our mission is to develop molecule/material hybrid photoelectrodes for cooperative sunlight-driven generation of liquid fuels from carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water. | Renato Neiva Sampaio Email: renatons@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-6320 | Fabrication, Nanofabrication, and Engineering |
| CHAI Core: Behavioral Assessment CHAI Core’s behavioral assessment services (formerly known as DPAC) ensure that investigators use the latest methods for diet and physical activity assessment in their research studies, and allow them to utilize the infrastructure (personnel, software, and equipment) that exists within the Core rather than create their own duplicate capacity. | Kimberly Parker Truesdale Email: kim_truesdale@unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-2327 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Chapel Hill Analytical and Nanofabrication Laboratory (CHANL) CHANL enables cutting edge research by providing equipment, expertise and training for nano/micro fabrication and characterization in an open-access facility with capabilities not otherwise available on campus. | Bob Geil Email: bob.geil@unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-6555 | Fabrication, Nanofabrication, and Engineering |
| Chemistry Electronics Facility We provide design and repair services on the UNC campus. Capabilities include analog, digital, and RF design as well as signal processing and software development. We also provide circuit simulation, mathematical modeling, and mechanical design in support of prototype production and construction. | Collin McKinney Email: collin@unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-5801 | Fabrication, Nanofabrication, and Engineering |
| Clinical and Community Human Assessment and Interventions Core (NORC) The Core's Intervention services offer state of the art techniques and resources for the development of behavioral science interventions aimed at health promotion and disease prevention. | Deborah Tate Email: dtate@unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-7546 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Clinical Genomic Analysis (GENYSIS) Core We collaborate with the BioSpecimen Processing (BSP) facility, the High-Throughput Sequencing Facility (HTSF), and the McLendon Molecular Genetics Laboratory (MGL) to provide clinical researchers with four main services: Bioinformatics, Variant analysis, Clinical reporting, Post-test services. | GENYSIS Core (Dr. Tam P. Sneddon) Email: genysis@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-4676 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Clinical Translational Core (Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities) The Clinical Translational Core includes services to maximize participation of research subjects in IDDRC projects (the Participant Registries), services to support development of image processing tools, multi-modal brain imaging, EEG/ERP and eye tracking. | Aysenil Belger Email: aysenil.belger@unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-7368 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Collaborative Studies Coordinating Center The mission of the CSCC is to improve public health by coordinating important health research, developing innovative research methodology, and providing practical training in the application of research methods. | Kevin Anstrom Email: Kevin.Anstrom@unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-6971 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Collagen Analysis Core This core provides laboratory analysis of: collagen content, amino acid analysis including collagen specific amino acids, reducible collagen cross-link analysis (including cross-link precursor aldehydes), and non-reducible collagen cross-link analysis (fluorescent and non-fluorescent cross-links). | Mitsuo Yamauchi Email: mitsuo_yamauchi@unc.edu Phone: (919) 537-3217 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Computer Network Recharge Center The department’s computing environment includes over 1000 computers, ranging from older systems used for generating network traffic for simulated Internet experiments to state-of-the-art workstations and clusters for graphics- and compute-intensive research. | Sara Cockerham Email: saraco@unc.edu Phone: (919) 445-6935 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Computer Services Recharge Center The department’s computing environment includes over 1000 computers, ranging from older systems used for generating network traffic for simulated Internet experiments to state-of-the-art workstations and clusters for graphics- and computer-intensive research. | David Cowhig Email: dcowhig@cs.unc.edu Phone: (919) 590-6000 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Connected Health for Applications & Interventions (CHAI) Our focus is bringing your research to life, from shaping research questions to disseminating results — you envision it, together we make it happen. Our team of innovative thinkers including designers, developers, health behavior strategists, product managers, and qualitative research specialists. | CHAI Core (Jennifer Wills) Email: chaicore@unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-7830 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| CRISPR Screening Facility CRISPR has supercharged the ability to conduct rapid and effective genetic and epigenetic screening. | CRISPR Staff (Brian Golitz) Email: crispr@unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-1307 | Genetics and Genomics |
| CryoEM Core Provide assistance in all aspects of high-resolution cryo-electron microscope. To include specimen preparation, data collection, and image processing. We provide training, technical advice, and consultations for users interested in learning cryoEM. | Joshua Strauss Email: Joshua_Strauss@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-5526 | Structural Biology and Chemistry |
| Cystic Fibrosis Antibody Distribution Program The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in conjunction with the laboratory of Dr. Jack Riordan and Dr. Martina Gentzsch of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are pleased to offer anti CFTR antibodies to the cystic fibrosis research community. | Tim Jensen Email: tim_jensen@med.unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Translational Core The development and validation of biomarkers that reflect different aspects of cystic fibrosis are of paramount importance to continued efforts to understand disease biology and the development of new therapeutics. Further, translation of basic research ideas into clinical studies that test their validity and clinical utility is of paramount importance to scientific advances in CF. The CF Clinical Translation Core was established to facilitate these goals. | Scott H. Donaldson Email: scott_donaldson@med.unc.edu Phone: (984) 974-9198 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Cystic Fibrosis Molecular/Functional Measurement Core The Cystic Fibrosis Molecular/Functional Measurement Core is designed to provide services to analyze the efficacy of treatments that target different stages in the pathogenic sequelae of CF disease development. | Martina Gentzsch Email: martina_gentzsch@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-7058 | Drug Development |
| Cystic Fibrosis Translational Research Functional Analysis Core Multiple research strategies for treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) are currently being explored. Translating CF therapeutic strategies from basic research to clinical studies requires the assessment of drug candidates in physiologically relevant assays. The CFTR Functional Analysis Core supports translational CF research. | Martina Gentzsch Email: gentzsch@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-7058 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Data Science Core (Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities) The overall objectives of this core are to enhance the productivity of CIDD investigators and the quality of their research. The core can assist IDDRC projects with study design, data management, as well as statistical and bioinformatics analyses. | Yun Li Email: yun_li@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-2832 | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics |
| Dentistry Storeroom The Preclinical Storeroom provides a pass-through purchasing program for all materials needed during the four-year course of study at the Adams School of Dentistry. The storeroom also provides any and all consumable items needed in the preclinical laboratories. These items are covered by the Student Lease Program. | Arnel Besillio Email: abasillio@email.unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Eastowne Clinical Research Center The Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine is recognized for its outstanding research programs directed by leading investigators. A wide range of approaches, including basic, translational, clinical, epidemiological, social and behavioral studies, are creatively utilized to address both common and rare pulmonary diseases that afflict people in our state, the country and worldwide. | Taylor Watts Email: stwatts@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-6347 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Flow Cytometry Core Facility The UNC Flow Cytometry Core Facility (FlowCore) provides state-of-the-art flow cytometry services to the entire UNC-CH research community as well as to others in the Research Triangle Park area. | Ramiro Diz Email: ramiro_diz@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-7812 | Cytometry |
| Functional Genomics Core We provide researchers with high quality microarray data using Thermo Fisher expression and genotyping arrays. | Mike Vernon Email: mike_vernon@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 445-2865 | Genetics and Genomics |
| General and Oral Health (GoHealth) Clinical Research Unit The mission of the GO Health Center is to expand knowledge and further understand the relationship between oral and systemic health and diseases by conducting clinical dental research, often focusing on specific conditions. | Carol Culver Email: carol_culver@unc.edu Phone: (919) 537-3424 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Glass Shop The Glass Shop is a full service shop primarily engaged in the design and fabrication of specialized scientific glassware as well as repairs and modifications of existing glassware. | Mark Wicker Email: mmwicker@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-1229 | Fabrication, Nanofabrication, and Engineering |
| Goodman Grating Lab Spectrograph Goodman Grating Lab | Chris Clemens Email: clemens@physics.unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Health on Wheels Health on Wheels is a mobile medical unit program to bring basic health initiatives and opportunities directly to the community. The unit is available to UNC researchers, UNC clinicians and other UNC collaborators. | David Wohl Email: david_wohl@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-2723 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| High Throughput Peptide Synthesis and Array Core Facility We use automated Fmoc SPPS to make synthetic peptides. We are routinely making 20-30-mer peptides, but also have experience with synthesis of longer sequences, 40-60-mer. Homogeneity is evaluated by mass analysis (MALDI-TOF MS) and analytical HPLC. | Krzystof Krajewski Email: kka@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-3935 | Structural Biology and Chemistry |
| High Throughput Sequencing Facility We offer comprehensive library services, NextGen sequencing and alternative technologies including long reads. We also provide technological support to users to ensure maximum data value. Our goal is to help researchers make biological sense out of their data. | Piotr A Mieczkowski Email: Piotr_Mieczkowski@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-4471 | Genetics and Genomics |
| Histology Core (Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease) The Cell Services & Histology Core provides a full range of histology services, encompassing routine and specialized grossing, tissue processing, paraffin embedding, microtomy, H&E and special staining, and immunohistochemistry. Consultations are also available. The core also offers image analysis through the Translational Pathology Laboratory. These services are available to CGIBD members and non-members. | Carolyn Suitt Email: carolyn_suitt@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966.1757 | Histology / Pathology |
| Histology Research Core Welcome to the Histology Research Core where we serve the histology needs of the UNC community and beyond. We have experience with various organisms including, but not limited to mouse, rat, pig, cat, dog, fish, human and primate. Additionally, we have provided histology services for plants and invertebrates such as coral, caterpillars and even stinkbugs! | Ashley Ezzell Email: jezzell@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-1202 | Histology / Pathology |
| Homologous Recombination Center Homologous Recombination Center | Beverly Koller Email: bkoller@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-0508 | Genetics and Genomics |
| Hooker Imaging Core The Hooker Imaging Core (HIC) is an open core providing instrumentation, training and expertise in light and electron microscopy for the UNC biomedical research community and outside users. | Wendy Salmon Email: wendy_salmon@med.unc.edu Phone: (617) 429-0158 | Microscopy and Imaging |
| Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Core The purpose of the Human Pluripotent Cell Core Facility is to provide UNC scientists as well as outside collaborators with the services to successfully conduct basic as well as translational research using human induced pluripotent cells. | Adriana Beltran Email: beltran@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 537-3995 | Tissue and Cell Culture |
| Image Storage and Analysis The Image Analysis Core Lab in the BRIC is devoted to the development of novel image analysis methods and tools, and their applications to various clinical research and trials. The developed methods include deformable registration (HAMMER), deformable segmentation (AFDM), and multivariate pattern classification algorithms. | BRIC Administration Email: bric_admin@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-6194 | Microscopy and Imaging |
| Immune Monitoring and Genomics Facility We provide investigators with cellular immunology, molecular immunology, and immunogenomics services that can delineate interactions between the immune system and tumor tissues. | Karen McKinnon Email: kmck@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-6080 | Genetics and Genomics |
| Innovate Carolina Innovate Carolina is UNC-Chapel Hill’s department for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development that provides a full-scale hub designed for today’s problem solvers: innovation-minded faculty, students and community partners who use their ingenuity to nudge the world forward. | Kimi Yingling Email: kimberly.yingling@unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Insect Culture Media Insect Culture Media | Jeff Sekelsky Email: sekelsky@unc.edu Phone: (919) 306-6338 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Integrative Program for Biological and Genomic Sciences Microscopy IBGS at UNC operates at the interface between the UNC School of Medicine and College of Arts & Sciences to support research that works toward a mechanistic understanding of basic biological processes, thereby generating discoveries that fuel the translational research pipeline. | Robert (Bob) Duronio Email: duronio@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-4568 | Microscopy and Imaging |
| Isotope Geochemistry Lab The Isotope Geochemistry Lab at UNC Chapel Hill is a fully functional geochemistry laboratory overseen by Dr. Drew Coleman, Dr. Ryan Mills, and Dr. Paul Fullagar (emeritus). University, local, national, and international researchers regularly use the lab. | Drew Coleman Email: dcoleman@unc.edu Phone: (910) 962-0705 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Kinase Chemogenomic Set (KCGS) Sales The scientific focus of the SGC-UNC is the chemical biology of the dark proteome. Our scientists are working to create chemical inhibitors and screening assays to explore the biology of these understudied proteins from the human genome in health and disease. Scientists at the SGC-UNC are experts in medicinal chemistry, cell biology, and chemical biology. They are using these skills to develop small molecule inhibitors of dark proteins to be used in cells to reveal their biology. | Tim Willson Email: tim.willson@unc.edu Phone: (919) 491-3177 | Genetics and Genomics |
| Large Animal Models Core (Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease) The Large Animal Models Core was established because in vitro cell culture systems or small animal models have not always translated well to solving human health problems. The core was designed to provide models of digestive disease that are more pathophysiologically similar to humans. | Anthony Blikslager Email: Anthony_Blikslager@ncsu.edu Phone: (919) 513-7725 | Animal Husbandry, Surgery and Phenotyping |
| Learning Analytics Center NC TraCS Institute REDCap Service | Matt Bernacki Email: mlb@unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Lenti-shRNA Core Facility The Lenti-shRNA Core Facility is premised in Open Biosystems TRC1 shRNA libraries. The libraries are cataloged as a single lentiviral-vector shRNA expression clones directed to +/- 16,000 human and mouse genes. Each gene is targeted by 4 or 5 different shRNAs driven by the U6 promoter. | Tal Kafri Email: tal_kafri@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-7635 | Vector Production |
| Macromolecular Interactions Facility The Macromolecular Interactions Facility (UNC folks fondly call it the Mac-In-Fac) is a core facility of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It provides instrumentation & resources for biophysical characterization of biological macromolecules and their interactions with cognate ligands. | Ashutosh Tripathy Email: ashutosh_tripathy@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-4399 | Structural Biology and Chemistry |
| Macromolecular X-Ray Crystallography Facility The UNC Crystallography Core Facility provides support and infrastructure necessary to enable investigators to initiate and complete a structural biology or structural chemistry project. Services include crystallization, x-ray diffraction data collection, and structure determination and refinement. | Nathan Nicely Email: nnicely@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-7174 | Structural Biology and Chemistry |
| Mammalian Genotyping Core Our mission is to support population, basic, clinical and translational research by providing centralized cost-efficient, high quality genotyping and methylation services. | Amanda Gerringer, MSFS Email: ajhoff@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 445-4771 | Genetics and Genomics |
| Marine Sciences Facility Services (IMS) The Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) is an off-campus research laboratory, teaching, outreach, and part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s (UNC-CH) Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences. Located on the central North Carolina coast in Morehead City; the mission of UNC’s Institute of Marine Sciences is to conduct cutting-edge research, train young scientists, provide expertise to governmental agencies and industry, and to promote new knowledge to inform public policy. | Jennifer Parker Email: jstacey@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-4517 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Marine Sciences Sample Analysis Recharge (IMS) The Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) is an off-campus research laboratory, teaching, outreach, and part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s (UNC-CH) Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences. Located on the central North Carolina coast in Morehead City; the mission of UNC’s Institute of Marine Sciences is to conduct cutting-edge research, train young scientists, provide expertise to governmental agencies and industry, and to promote new knowledge to inform public policy. | Jennifer Parker Email: jstacey@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-4517 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Marine Sciences Scanning Sonar (IMS) The Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) is an off-campus research laboratory, teaching, outreach, and part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s (UNC-CH) Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences. Located on the central North Carolina coast in Morehead City; the mission of UNC’s Institute of Marine Sciences is to conduct cutting-edge research, train young scientists, provide expertise to governmental agencies and industry, and to promote new knowledge to inform public policy. | Jennifer Parker Email: jstacey@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-4517 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Mass Cytometry Core Facility - LCCC The Mass Cytometry Core offers comprehensive expertise and support to enable successful mass cytometry experiments. The core provides assistance with mass cytometry panel design, protocol support, antibody procurement, data acquisition and basic support for single cell data analysis in Cytobank. The facility is open to all UNC clinical and scientific researchers as well as to external universities and commercial researchers. | Marie A. Iannone Email: miannone@unc.edu Phone: (919) 445-2745 | Cytometry |
| Mass Spectrometry Core Laboratory ATOMS We provide equipment, expertise and training in small molecule applications utilizing mass spectrometry in an open-access facility. We also support high-throughput catalysis research for inorganic and organic research labs in our Reaction Innovation Sub-Core for Excellence (RISE) Catalysis Center. | Brandie M. Ehrmann Email: behrmann@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-6813 | Metabolomics, Proteomics, and Mass Spectrometry |
| Metabolic Phenotyping (NORC GEM and NRI) Metabolic Phenotyping offers technical support and expertise for measuring traits related to metabolism in mouse models of obesity and nutritionally relevant disease. | Raz Shaikh Email: shaikhsa@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-4348 | Animal Husbandry, Surgery and Phenotyping |
| Metabolomics and Exposome Laboratory Service Core (MEL) Metabolomics and Exposome Laboratory Service Core (MEL) encourages collaborations that promote the use of untargeted and broad spectrum metabolomics in basic, clinical, and translational research focused on environmental health and precision nutrition. | Susan Sumner Email: susan_sumner@unc.edu Phone: (704) 250-5066 | Metabolomics, Proteomics, and Mass Spectrometry |
| Michael Hooker Proteomics Core We provide services for the analysis of proteins from tissues, cells or other biological samples. We are available to the UNC community, as well as external customers worldwide. We’re committed to educating students and researchers in the field of proteomics. | Laura Herring Email: laura_herring@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-4681 | Metabolomics, Proteomics, and Mass Spectrometry |
| Microbiome Core We provide the research community with the facilities and expertise to characterize complex microbial communities and microbial interactions. | Microbiome Core Email: microbiome@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962 3569 | Genetics and Genomics |
| Microscopy Services Laboratory (MSL) We provide training, assistance and services in light microscopy, electron microscopy and image analysis. | Pablo Ariel Email: msl@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-2413 | Microscopy and Imaging |
| Molecular Biology Core - Marsico Lung Institute Molecular biology has become an indispensable component of modern biological research programs. The Molecular Biology Core was established to provide expertise, equipment, training, and reagents to serve the molecular biology needs for the Marsico Lung Institute/UNC Cystic Fibrosis Center. | Wanda O'Neal Email: woneal@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-9866 | Structural Biology and Chemistry |
| Mouse Behavioral Phenotyping Core (Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities) The Mouse Behavior Core provides investigators within the CIDD and throughout the UNC research community with a wide variety of behavioral tasks for studies in genetic, environmental, and pharmacological models of human disorders, and for preclinical efficacy testing of novel therapeutic agents. | Sheryl Moy Email: sheryl_moy@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-3082 | Animal Husbandry, Surgery and Phenotyping |
| MSK Recharge (SOM Orthopeadics) SOM Orthopeadics | Joseph Hart Email: joe_hart@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-9166 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| MSK Research Core SOM Orthopeadics | Joseph Hart Email: joe_hart@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-9166 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Mucus Biochemistry/Biophysics Core The mucus clearance system of the lung represents a key innate defense system that protects the airway surface against constant exposure to inhaled infectious and noxious particles. Abnormal clearance of mucus is an important contributor to the phenotype of patients with chronic bronchitis (CB). | Brian Button Email: brian_button@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-5823 | Structural Biology and Chemistry |
| Multidisciplinary Simulation Laboratory The Multidisciplinary Simulation Laboratory, part of the UNC Department of Surgery, provides simulation training in surgical and medical procedures for resident physicians, medical students, physicians, nurses and surgical technologists. The center also hosts medical industry simulation training. | Neal Murty Email: neal_murty@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-3125 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Center (MMRRC) The MMRRC at UNC distributes and cryopreserves scientifically valuable, genetically engineered mouse models of human development and disease to serve the biomedical research community. Since 1999 we have served as a member of an NIH funded national network of breeding and distribution facilities plus an information coordinating center serving together as NIH’s premier repository of spontaneous and induced mutant mouse and cell lines. The MMRRC aims to protect and enhance the mouse models, make them more accessible, and to support rigor and reproducibility in animal models research. Our mission also includes innovative research designed to enhance the resource. | Jackie Brooks Email: mmrrc_service@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-8228 | Animal Husbandry, Surgery and Phenotyping |
| Nanomedicines Characterization Core Facility (NCore) NCore implements the Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Development (CNDD) mission of accelerating translation of new nanomedicines into clinic by providing comprehensive physicochemical characterization of nanoscale entities. | Marina Sokolsky Email: ncore@unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-4698 | Drug Development |
| National Gnotobiotic Rodent Resource Center - Gnotobiotic Core (Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease) The Gnotobiotic Core at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill maintains several inbred and outbred strains of germ-free and gnotobiotic rodents. Our mission is to support animal model and basic research projects of CGIBD investigators and of scientists nationwide. | Monica True Email: monica_true@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-5446 | Animal Husbandry, Surgery and Phenotyping |
| NC TraCS Institute Clinical and Translational Research Center We provide a variety of research support services, including access to inpatient and outpatient examination rooms, a staff of highly-skilled research professionals, and specimen processing and short term storage facilities. | Janette Goins Email: janette_goins@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-1070 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| NC TraCS Institute Data & Analytics (iDSci) Work with a Carolina Data Warehouse analyst to extract and analyze UNC Health patient data. Use i2b2 to explore UNC Health patient data. Collaborate via our Clinical Data Research Networks, ACT, & PCORnet. Use EMERSE & CLARK to search free text clinical notes. Request features to be built in Epic. | Emily Pfaff Email: epfaff@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-4712 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| NC TraCS Institute Protocol Pipeline We provide expertise, guidance and education on development of a clinical or master protocol for investigator-initiated research. Regulatory consultations are available to guide and support you as you design protocols and navigate through the scientific review process. | Janee Smith Email: janee_smith@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-2520 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| NC TraCS Institute REDCap Service Research Electronic Data Capture, or REDCap, is a secure web application that can be used to build and manage case report forms, surveys and other data capture mechanisms for clinical research. We can help get you started, and are always here to help. | Janee Smith Email: janee_smith@med.unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Neuroscience Microscopy Core We provide access to high-resolution imaging technologies, implement new imaging technologies, related to real-time and tissue clearing based imaging of neurodevelopment and neural functions, and provides training, consultation, data analysis, image processing, and centralized technical expertise. | Michelle S. Itano Email: itano@unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-5807 | Microscopy and Imaging |
| NeuroTools Core We provide full spectrum support for the production and use of viral tools in neuroscience applications. | Kim Ritola Email: neurotools@unc.edu Phone: (919) 445-1711 | Vector Production |
| NMR - UNC Biomolecular NMR Laboratory The UNC Biomolecular NMR Laboratory was created to support research into the structure and dynamics of biological molecules. The Biomolecular NMR Lab offers a variety of services to academic and industrial users. We are happy to work with users from outside UNCCH to support their research needs. | Stuart Parnham Email: stitch@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-6184 | Structural Biology and Chemistry |
| NMR Core Laboratory - Chemistry The Chemistry Department's Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Core Laboratory provides training and access to NMR spectroscopy. We also participate in NMR investigations of chemical samples, prepare samples and acquire data. | Marc ter Horst Email: terhorst@unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-5802 | Analytical Chemistry |
| NMR Facility -School of Pharmacy The UNC ESOP NMR Facility serves users from inside and outside the University. The lab has been used to study small molecules and natural products; polymers; and biomolecular structure and dynamics. The facility houses a fully automated 400MR, as well as Inova 500 and Inova 400 spectrometers. | Nelson Zhao Email: czhao1@unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-0060 | Drug Development |
| NMR Helium Recovery and Liquefaction Plant NMR Helium Recovery and Liquefaction Plant | Stuart Parnham Email: stitch@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-6184 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP) & Health Registry-Cancer Survivorship Cohort Are you interested in learning how you can use PCaP data and biospecimens? Visit our website to learn more about enrollment, specimen collection and data sharing for PCaP and HCaP–NC. | Adrian Gertzel Email: gerstel@email.unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Nutrigenomics (NORC GEM) We provide investigators with the expertise and resources necessary to investigate the role of host genetic factors in biological responses to nutritional exposure. | Saroja Voruganti Email: saroja@unc.edu Phone: (704) 250-5009 | Genetics and Genomics |
| Odum Institute The mission of the Odum Institute for Research in Social Science is to foster groundbreaking social research that improves the lives of people in North Carolina and around the world. | Todd BenDor Email: bendor@unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-4760 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Oral Microbiology Core Laboratories The OML provides diagnostic clinical microbiology, microbiological research, microbiology training and sterilization monitoring services to both the school and the community of dental practitioners in North Carolina and the surrounding geographic area. | Roland Arnold Email: roland_arnold@unc.edu Phone: (919) 537-3165 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Pathology Services Core We provide high quality, comprehensive pathology services for pre-clinical and clinical studies. | Gaby De la Cruz Email: gdelacruz@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-9620 | Histology / Pathology |
| Patient-Reported Outcomes Core (PRO-Core) Patient-Reported Outcome measures (PROs) capture the patient perspective on disease and treatment, including the outcomes that impact patients' day to day lives. PROs are widely used as endpoints in clinical trials to evaluate new treatments and interventions, and increasingly PROs are administered routinely in clinical care to track symptoms and functioning in a reliable and systematic way. | Antonia Bennett Email: procore@unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Perinatal Research Service Center Health Information Services provides data sets through the Perinatal Research Service Center (PRSC). Currently we have a complete integrated data set for Deliveries, and our plan is to develop other perinatal domains that include prenatal, postpartum, lactation, NICU, ICU, diabetes, & hypertension. | Randall Blanco Email: randall_blanco@med.unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Physics Maintenance Shop The Physics and Astronomy instrument shop provides complete professional instrument construction for research at UNC. It is located in Phillips Hall room 115. | Philip Thompson Email: philip@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-1183 | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Preclinical Research Unit PRU provides outstanding technical services and a seamless approach in working with the IACUC, DCM, and other core facilities on campus for labs that utilize small laboratory animals in their research. We offer technical expertise with small laboratory animal models for reproducibility of research. | Charlene Santos Email: csantos@unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Animal Husbandry, Surgery and Phenotyping |
| R. L. Juliano Structural Bioinformatics Core We provide consultations and collaborations on research studies requiring computational structural biology methods. Analyses available are not limited to the study of static structures, but also include molecular dynamics studies. | Venkata Chirasani Email: venkatr@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-5044 | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics |
| Radiation Core Facility Our mission is to provide radiation support for various research applications. We will provide safe and effective radiation service using various irradiators that are dedicated for research studies. | Hong Yuan Email: yuanh@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-3813 | Animal Husbandry, Surgery and Phenotyping |
| Radiochemistry Research Service Center The Radiochemistry facility contains all the equipment needed to support radiopharmaceutical development and production for molecular imaging studies. Production of the PET radioisotopes is accomplished with a high energy (16.5MeV) GE PETtrace cyclotron, multiple automated radiochemical processing modules, hot cells, and other ancillary equipment. The radiopharmacy production laboratory is under GMP conditions as required by the U.S. Pharmacopeia Chapter 823 and 21CFR part 212. | Angela Creighton Email: bric_admin@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-6194 | Microscopy and Imaging |
| Radiology Clinical Research Service Center The Radiology Core Services group provides imaging reads by radiologists that are considered outside of standard clinical reads or imaging requirements not considered standard of care for this institution. In addition, the group provides image deidentification services, which includes burning studies to a disc or uploading to outside vendors or Sponsors. | Desma Jones Email: desma_jones@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-9463 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Rapid Case Ascertainment (RCA) Rapid Case Ascertainment is a shared resource at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center that facilitates cancer prevention and control research that requires early contact with patients. RCA is a collaboration between UNC Lineberger, the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry (CCR), and participating hospitals in North Carolina. Rapid Case Ascertainment (RCA) is an acceleration of the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry’s reporting process for quick identification of cancer patients throughout the state. Hospitals/facilities send pathology reports from one to six months of a cancer diagnosis. | Heather Tipaldos Email: heather_tipaldos@unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-9438 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Research Computing Network Our Department of Biostatistics is recognized as a worldwide leader in research and practice. Members of our faculty are interested both in the development of statistical methodology and application of biostatistics in applied research. | Wesley Winkelman Email: wwinkelm@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-7291 | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics |
| Research Participant Registries Core (Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities) The Research Participant Registry (RPR) Core is a research unit within the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD). The RPR Core supports research projects on developmental disabilities at UNC. The Core has four registries: Child Development Registry, NC Autism Registry, Fragile X Registry, and the Intellectual and Developmental Disorders Registry. | Renee Clark Email: rdclark@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-5232 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Respiratory TRACTS Core (RTC) We provide turnkey services to clinical and biomedical investigators at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as well as off-site investigators. | Mandy Bush Email: mbush43@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 537-3968 | Immunoassay |
| Serology Service Center Serology Service Center | Prem Lakshmanane Email: prem@med.unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Sheps Center Departmental Recharge The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research seeks to improve the health of individuals, families, and populations by understanding the problems, issues, and alternatives in the design and delivery of health care services. | Mark Holmes Email: mark_holmes@unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-7101 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Sheps Data Analytics, Web and Database Programming, and Research Computing Services The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research seeks to improve the health of individuals, families, and populations by understanding the problems, issues, and alternatives in the design and delivery of health care services. | Brian Cass Email: brian.cass@unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Other Cores at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Small Animal Imaging With Hyperpolarized Xe Gas Our lab performs various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments using hyperpolarized Xenon (HPXe) gas to look at the lungs of mouse models of cystic fibrosis. | Tamara Branca Email: rtbranca@unc.edu Phone: Please email. | Microscopy and Imaging |
| Systems Genetic Core Facility Our core provides Collaborative Cross mice and genotypes to investigators both at UNC Chapel Hill and at other institutions. | Darla Miller Email: millerdr@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-6471 | Animal Husbandry, Surgery and Phenotyping |
| Tissue Culture Facility Our facility supplies almost any medium, reagent, additive or consumable item required in cell culture and molecular biology research at a deep discount with prompt on-site availability. TCF also has an extensive cell line repository. | Amy Patrylick Email: tcf@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-1034 | Tissue and Cell Culture |
| Tissue Procurement and Cell Culture Core - Marsico Lung Institute We provide standardized cell cultures for cystic fibrosis (CF) research. The Core serves as a central source of normal, CF and disease control cells, tissues and fluids for a wide array of uses. | Leslie Fulcher Email: Leslie_Fulcher@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 966-7055 | Tissue and Cell Culture |
| Tissue Procurement Facility TPF provides: Tissue Procurement from UNC Hospitals & Rex HC, Blood Procurement & Processing, Quality Assurance/Histopathologic Review, Support of oncology clinical trials, Other biospecimen collection & banking, Tissue Sectioning, Nucleic Acid isolation, Database Management & Tissue Bank Searches. | Ryan Robinson Email: ryan_robinson@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 445-4471 | Human Research/Clinical Applications and Support |
| Translational Genomics Lab (TGL) - LCCC Our mission is to support translational human cancer genomics research by providing a resource that balances rigor and flexibility to meet the needs of academic and clinical research that can ultimately produce optimized and validated processes for adoption in clinical labs. | Adam D. Pfefferle Email: adamp@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-8324 | Genetics and Genomics |
| Vector Core The Vector Core at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Vector Core) was founded in 1993 as a full-service viral vector production organization. We have extensive experience in manufacturing research grade vectors utilize our unique expertise to ensure your project is on time and on budget. Our goal is to deliver the highest quality AAV vectors to our academic, government, foundation, and biotech industry clients. | Xinghua Zeng Email: xhzeng@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 445-0338 | Vector Production |
| Vironomics Core Facility The Vironomics Core is led by our Principal Investigator, Dr. Dirk Dittmer, and includes several research staff. Our facilities are located on the 1st floor of the Lineberger Cancer Center (wing parallel with West Dr). The main research focus of the Dittmer lab is understanding viral tumorigenesis, especially that associated with Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV). | Dirk Dittmer Email: vironomics@med.unc.edu Phone: (919) 843-5292 | Genetics and Genomics |
| X-Ray Crystallography Core Laboratory (XCL) XCL primarily functions as a service crystallographic facility for the University and are actively collaborating with Department of Chemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Material Division, Physics and Astronomy, biology, as well as the School of Pharmacy and the School of Medicine. | Chun-Hsing (Josh) Chen Email: joshchen@email.unc.edu Phone: (919) 962-1689 | Analytical Chemistry |
News & Events
Core Facility Financial Reporting – July 5, 2023
The OVCR/OSP Research Core Development Team is excited to announce the release of new financial reporting tools for UNC core facilities. These financial reporting tools utilize Tableau to display expense, revenue, and balance information for each core facility. Information is displayed in convenient and accessible visualizations for quick analysis of the financial health of a core. Transactional data is also available for export for a more in-depth analysis of reported amounts. Links to the financial reports can be found in the Resources section here (https://research.unc.edu/sponsored-programs/resources/research-core-development/)
Core Director’s Meeting – September 2023
Core Open House Event – Research Week October 23-27, 2023
Visit their website for more information.
MAD SSCi- Regional ABRF Conference – August 9-11, 2023
MAD SSCi, the regional member meeting for ABRF, will be held at UNC Chapel Hill August 8-9 this year. More information and registration can be found here: https://madssci.abrf.org/.
OSP Symposium – September 27-28, 2023
OSP Symposium – September 27-28, 2023
The Annual UNC Symposium for Research Administrators is a forum to provide the campus research community with the most current information on policies, regulations, and best practices for sponsored program administration at the University. This year’s event will be September 27-28, 2023.
Sustainability and Green Lab Initiatives for Core Facilities
- Sustainability and Green Lab Initiatives for Core Facilities
- Presenters: Cindy Shea and Dr. Patricia Basta
- Thursday June 22, 2023, 11:00am-12:00pm
- Location: Mary Ellen Jones 3112 (Hybrid Virtual and in-person event)
- Link: http://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=B9A7
- Cindy Shea, Director of Sustainability, and Dr. Patricia Basta, Director of the BioSpecimen Processing Facility, will lead a discussion on the specific challenges core facilities may face in meeting green lab initiatives and the resources available here at UNC to meet those challenges.
Core Facility Workshops- Quality Audits of Cores: Awareness and Preparedness
Core Facility Workshops- Quality Audits of Cores: Awareness and Preparedness – Thursday 2/9/2023 (Registration Required)
Core labs that work with biotech/pharma companies or federal agencies may be subject to mandatory quality audits, based on company policy and GLP standards. In this workshop, we will discuss what a quality audit entails, how to prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs), and the resources available to ensure a successful audit. Dr. Chris Gregory, Director of the SOM Office of Research Technologies, will present this with the experience of having guided multiple UNC cores through the audit process and of undergoing quality audits at pharmaceutical companies—come with any questions about the process and how you can prepare ahead of an audit! Register here for an IN-PERSON session (held in Genetics Medicine Building) on February 9th – spots are limited.
Core Facility Workshops – External F&A: What is it, how do I monitor it, and how can I use it?
Jackie Schwamberger, SOM FiRST Services Manager, and Ben Wright, OSP Director of Research Core Development, will host a virtual informational and interactive session on external sales reserve (commonly referred to in the UNC core community as “F&A”). Topics to be discussed include how to calculate and track external sales reserve, allowable vs. unallowable uses of these funds, and how expenses should be documented.
2022 Core Directors Webinar: 12/13/22 at 10 am
This was a virtual meeting on:
- Research Core Development initiatives, including:
- Financial Reporting
- Rate reviews
- iLab
- New Research Core Development webpage
- External research core agreements portal
- Upcoming workshops
- and more!
Core Facility Showcase Fair
Participating core facilities will each have a manned table and will be giving short, TED-style talks in Kirkland Auditorium. Come talk to our core directors about your research and listen to research highlights in our core facilities. Lunch will be provided for attendees who have their registration card signed by the requisite number of core directors! Learn more here.
Where: Koury Oral Health Sciences Building (385 S. Columbia St) 1st and Ground Floor lobbies
When: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Contact Us
- Ben Wright bwright1@email.unc.edu
- Research Core Development Main Inbox: RCD@unc.edu
OSP Cost Analysis and Compliance
- Research Service Core/Center Inbox: RSCSupport@unc.edu
- Brian Bertlshofer bertlsbj@email.unc.edu
- J.R. Pike james_pike@unc.edu
FAQs
| FAQ Content |
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What is a core?Research Service Centers, also referred to as recharge centers or core facilities, are formally approved, centralized, shared research resource entities that provide access to instruments, technologies, and services, as well as expert consultation and other resources to scientific and clinical investigators that are normally beyond the technical or financial capability of individual Principal Investigators (PIs). In general, Research Service Centers recover their cost, or a portion of their cost, by providing services in return for user fees that are charged for services. A Research Service Center's primary purpose is to support University researchers; however, services may also be provided to external users. External users are defined as entities governed and administered independently from the University and may include other academic institutions. To be considered an official Research Service Center, core facility, or recharge center, rates must be formally approved and reviewed by the UNC Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) every two years. Formal approval from OSP is required whenever a new rate is added, revised, or removed. |
What is the difference between a core/shared resource and a "recharge" or Research Service Center?In order for a core to be considered an official Research Service Center, or recharge center, rates must be formally approved and reviewed by the UNC Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) every two years. Formal approval from OSP is required whenever a new rate is added, revised, or removed. |
How do I establish my core as an official recharge/Research Service Center?Contact Research Core Development at RCD@unc.edu and we will assist in starting the process of becoming an official Research Service Center. |
I would like to officially close a core/RSC. What do I do?Contact Research Core Development at RCD@unc.edu and we will assist in beginning the process of closing the core/RSC. |
I would like to discuss opportunities to improve a core's financials- what do I do?Contact Research Core Development at RCD@unc.edu - we work directly with core management to identify opportunities to improve business processes and increase financial performance of core operations. |
What is a fund balance?There are two different terms related to fund balance - "book fund balance" and "actual fund balance". Book fund balance is the difference between recorded revenues and expenditures from the time the RSC was first established to the present. (Sales minus expenses.) Actual fund balance is the book fund balance adjusted for timing differences between when services provided are billed (revenue recognition) and when customer payments are received (accounts receivable collection). (Sales for which payment has been received minus expenses.) A surplus is identified by a credit fund balance (revenues are greater than expenses) A deficit is identified by a debit fund balance (expenses are greater than revenues). Breakeven is achieved when the operating account's fund balance results in zero after all outstanding revenues and outstanding expenditures have been recorded and posted to the financial system as of a given point in time. The actual fund balance may contain a surplus equal to or less than 60 days of working capital. External sales revenue and depreciation contained in approved recharge rates should result in a planned surplus. |
What is an open-access core vs. a member-only core?Cores may be open to all users or may be restricted to only certain groups of users. For example, a core may provide services to all internal and external users or may only provide services to users within a specific department. Below are the classifications for cores related to users:
Collaborative Core: Research-oriented cores that have special expertise and equipment that do not fit unit pricing. In many cases, investigators accomplish their work by collaborating with members of the core. These may be open-access, fee for service, or may instead operate with a different model such as expenses paid directly by PI grants. Typically, collaborative cores are not official recharge centers. |
For more information on how to choose the correct Research Core Agreement online form to submit, please see the Research Core Agreements Guidance.
| FAQ Content |
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How would I create a template agreement to provide to potential clients?Please submit this request via the Request New Template form. After submission an OSP approved agreement template will be sent to the submitter. If a Core is using a template, they do not need to request a new one. |
I already have a template agreement, do I need a new one?No, if you are currently using a research core agreement template you do not need to request a new one. |
I have a template agreement, what do I do in order to execute the agreement with the client?Insert the applicable information into the template agreement. Once completed, send the agreement to the client for signature. When the client returns the signed agreement, send the signed agreement to OSP Contracting for full execution. Work may be begin once the client has signed. UNC signature is not required to begin work. However, the agreement must be executed by OSP; core or departmental staff may not sign the agreement. |
What do I do if the client has requested use of their agreement instead of the UNC agreement?We strongly encourage you to push back to the client and ask to use the UNC agreement. Use of a client agreement may significantly delay the negotiation and execution process. You must submit any requests to change the UNC template or use a client agreement via the Submit Change Request form. Once the information is received, OSP will reach out to client to begin the negotiation process. Once the agreement is fully executed, OSP will send a copy of the agreement to the client and to the UNC core contacts. |
What do I do if the client wants to change language and/or terms and conditions in the UNC agreement.We strongly encourage you to push back to the client and ask to use the UNC agreement. Use of a client agreement may significantly delay the negotiation and execution process. You must submit any requests to change the UNC template or use a client agreement via the Submit Change Request form. Once the information is received, OSP will reach out to client to begin the negotiation process. Once the agreement is fully executed, OSP will send a copy of the agreement to the client and to the UNC core contacts. |
What do I do if the Core Rates have been updated?If you use a Rate Sheet in your agreements, then you will need to complete the Submit Update Request from. You do NOT need to do this if your agreements reference the rates on your website or if you use custom quotes. |
What do I do if I need an amendment to an existing agreement?You will need to complete the Submit Update Request from. |
Can someone at the core or department sign the agreement on behalf of UNC?No. The agreement must be signed by OSP on behalf of UNC. |
When can the core begin work under the agreement?The core may begin work under the agreement once the agreement is signed by the client. The agreement does not need to be signed by UNC in order for work to begin. However, the agreement must be executed on behalf of UNC by OSP. Core or department personnel may not execute agreements on behalf of UNC. |
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Who is responsible for reviewing recharge rates?Rates should be formally reviewed at least annually at the department level and every two years by the Cost Analysis and Compliance (CAC) unit in the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). OSP maintains a rate review cycle and will contact you prior to your formal review. Written approval by OSP is required whenever a new rate or fee is added, revised, or deleted. Contact OSP CAC at RSCSupport@unc.edu for a rate review or to add or modify rates. RSC rates charged should be designed to achieve a break-even operation over a long-term period, usually two years. |
I would like to add a new rate or modify a current rate for an existing RSC, what do I do?Contact OSP CAC at RSCSupport@unc.edu to add or modify rates. OSP CAC will perform a streamlined review of new or modified rates- a full rate review may not be necessary. Written approval by OSP is required whenever a new rate or fee is added, revised, or deleted. |
The Rate Development Worksheet I use does not have enough rate columns- what do I do?Contact OSP CAC at RSCSupport@unc.edu to request additional rate columns on the RDW. |
Can a core charge a rate lower than the approved recharge rate(s)?Rates should be designed to achieve a breakeven operation over a long-term period. OSP recommends charging the applicable approved rates for all services, including charging the breakeven rate for internal users and sponsored agreements. A core may choose to charge a rate lower than the breakeven rate. However, the department will be responsible for paying the difference between the approved rate on the Rate Development Worksheet and the lower rate charged to customers. |
What is the difference between member subsidy and non-member subsidy worksheets?The difference between the member and non-member subsidy worksheets is that the member subsidy RDW contains additional sections on the "ReOp1-Main Worksheet" tab and the "ReOp7-Subsidies" tab to identify pertinent information related to calculating discounted rates for a specific group of customers that require the products or services of the RSC. If the RSC does not have a specific subset of customers that receive a discounted rate, the non-member subsidy Rate Development Worksheet should be used. |
What are the different rates and when should I use them?The rate to be charged for a particular service is based on the customer: Internal Breakeven Rate (RDW rate a): also known as the "breakeven rate".
Subsidized Internal Rate (RDW rate b): Internal Breakeven Rate less subsidized amount. May be charged to specific groups within UNC who are allowed a reduced rate (for example: within the department, school/college, etc.). Internal Other Rate (RDW rate c): Internal Breakeven Rate less specific member subsidized amount. May be charged to specific groups within UNC who are allowed a reduced rate (for example: within the department, school/college, etc.). Minimum External Rate (RDW rate d): Internal Breakeven Rate + F&A. This rate or the market rate, whichever is higher, should be charged for all non-academic external users (for example: GSK, Merck, Pfizer, Tessa, etc.) Academic Rate: Internal Breakeven Rate + F&A. Also known as the Minimum External Rate. This rate should be charged for all external academic institutions (for example: UNCG, Duke, NCCU, Baylor). This includes UNC System institutions. Examples:
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Can office supplies be included in the rate calculation process?No, office supplies are unallowable and cannot be included in the rate calculation within the Rate Development Worksheet. |
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Can a core provide services to non-UNC users?Yes. While Research Service Centers/cores are established primarily to meet the needs of the University research community, there are circumstances in which services may be provided to external entities. You should assess the core's capacity to serve a new or expanded user base to ensure there is personnel time and instrumentation time available to handle the added business. Service for external users should not negatively impact usage by UNC users. |
Are UNC Health and other UNC campuses external users?Yes. UNC Health and other UNC campuses are external users. |
I would like to offer services to an external entity. What should I do?A service agreement should be in place before beginning any work with an external user. The agreement should define the scope of work, deliverables, cost of services, payment, etc. The Industry Contracting Group within OSP will work with you to create a fillable template service agreement for your core, which can then be used for any external entity, industry or academic/non-profit. See Industry Agreements - Core Recharge Service Center Agreement here: https://research.unc.edu/sponsored-research/resources/industry-contracting. |
What rate can I charge an external entity?See #14 above for rate information. Questions about when to use a specific rate? Contact CAC at RSCSupport@unc.edu. |
Can I charge a lower rate to an external entity in order to get their business?You may not charge a rate lower than the rate charged to internal users (Internal Breakeven Rate). If the RSC elects to charge a rate lower than the external minimum rate, the department will be responsible for paying the difference between the approved external minimum rate on the Rate Development Worksheet and the lower rate charged to the customer. |
Should I record revenue from external users differently than revenue from internal users?Yes!
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How do I know if I have an external revenue operating surplus?External revenue is comprised of two components: break-even portion of external revenue and above-cost portion of external revenue. Both components of external revenue must be monitored and separately documented by the operating unit. Break-Even External Revenue: The break-even portion of external revenue is defined by the applicable internal rate multiplied by the quantity of service output supplied to the external user:
Above-Cost External Revenue: The above-cost portion of external revenue is determined by multiplying the service output provided to the customer by the difference between the approved external rate and the applicable internal rate.
If the external rate used is the Internal Breakeven Rate plus F&A, Above-Cost External Revenue can be calculated as
The External Revenue Operating Surplus is not subject to rate carryforward adjustments and can be set aside to be used by RSC management solely for the benefit and improvement of the RSC's operations. |
Use of accumulated depreciation funds requires prior written approval from OSP CAC. If you would like to explore options for utilizing an accumulated depreciation balance, contact OSP CAC at RSCSupport@unc.edu.
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Can the cost of equipment be included in a recharge rate?Equipment cannot be directly charged to the RSC, but in some circumstances the cost may be recovered via accumulated depreciation. Identifying the original funding source for the equipment is critical before any consideration of including the cost recovery in a recharge rate. Equipment purchased directly with federally sponsored funds cannot be included in a recharge rate. Much of the research performed at UNC is federally funded. If equipment was purchased using federal funds, the government has already paid for the full cost of the equipment. Therefore, including equipment depreciation in the rates charged to federally funded researchers would be double-billing the government. If the equipment was not purchased directly with federally sponsored funds and if the equipment is used solely for recharge services, then 100% of the cost recovery (depreciation) can be included in the associated service rate(s). If the equipment is shared between recharge services and other usage, only the percent of usage by the recharge facility can be included in the rate structure. There must be a means for accurate documentation of the levels of usage, either by usage log per instrument or another method. |
What is depreciation and how is it calculated?Because capitalized equipment lasts longer than one year, it would not be appropriate to include the full cost of the equipment in the rates for a single year. This would be overcharging the users in that one year and undercharging users in each successive year the equipment was in service. Therefore, the cost of equipment should be expensed in equal portions over the entire span of useful life. This allows revenues produced by the use of the equipment to appropriately align with the expense of the original purchase. This is referred to as depreciation: we are using up a portion of the equipment over multiple years, so the cost is also spread over multiple years. Each year's cost is the depreciation expense for that year. The total amount of depreciation expense recorded to-date is accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense (straight-line method) is calculated as follows:
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If depreciation expense is included in a rate, how should I keep track of it?Depreciation expense for a given piece of equipment must be applied to only those rates which utilize that specific instrument. Revenue derived from the depreciation expense must be tracked and accounted for as a component of the overall recharge fund balance. Because recharge accounts are cost recovery systems, there are limits on the amount of carry forward balance that should be accumulated. Depreciation is exempt from this calculation since it is associated with a long-term expense, but you must have supporting documentation showing the amount of accumulated depreciation so that it will be allowed to carry over from year to year and not be considered surplus revenue from normal operations. OSP CAC will assist with the calculation of accumulated depreciation during the rate review process. When properly tracked, the accumulated balance of collected depreciation funds can be applied to the purchase of new equipment for the core, which is not normally an allowable expense for a recharge operation. Use of accumulated depreciation funds requires prior written approval from OSP CAC. If you would like to explore options for utilizing an accumulated depreciation balance, contact OSP CAC RSCSupport@unc.edu. |
CrossLab iLabs core facility management is a web-based software solution for facilitating service requests, customer and project management, as well as billing and invoicing. iLab software can help core staff save time and money by streamlining lab administrative processes and developing better metric tracking and data collection. More information is available here: https://www.agilent.com/en/service/laboratory-services/lab-operations-management/core-facilities-management.
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How can I demo iLab and learn more about getting started?Contact the SOM Business Office at coresupport@med.unc.edu. |
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When do I need to keep documentation for expenses?
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