RESEARCH TECHNICIAN III

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN III

Saunders Lab – Duke Human Vaccine Institute

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) continues to lead cutting edge vaccine research against infectious diseases that impact global health. Basic science discoveries made at the highly collaborative DHVI have contributed to the identification of vaccine and therapeutic candidates currently being produced in Good Manufacturing Practice facilities and tested in early phase clinical trials. 

The Saunders laboratory aims to understand the immunology of HIV-1 antibodies and the molecular biology of their interaction with HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoprotein. Our overall goal is to develop protective antibody-based vaccines. Proteins derived from HIV envelope are designed and expressed as candidate vaccine immunogens for preclinical trials. The immune profiling section of the laboratory performs immunoassays to determine the immune response to the vaccine.  

We are seeking a motivated and hardworking Research Technician III to support the immune profiling section. The primary responsibilities will include probing the immune response elicited in our preclinical studies through viral neutralization assays. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform the following experimental activities: 
  • Neutralization assays of HIV-1 infection in tissue culture 
  • Compile data reports on neutralization titers 
  • Calculate neutralization titers using current Excel macros 
  • Input assay data into online data portal 
  • Propagate viruses for use in assays 
  • Virus titration assays 
  • Transfection of tissue culture cells 
  • Maintain tissue culture cells using aseptic technique 
  • Luminescence assays 
  • Safely handle infectious material from human or animal sources 
• Understand and comply with all safety standards and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all laboratory staff 
• Design, execute, analyze, and archive experiments in a manner that is scientifically justifiable, reliable and understandable to others 
• Help manage protein inventories.  Distribute antibodies from the laboratory inventory
• Keep lab equipment, chemicals reagents, and supplies in excellent order 
• Perform routine lab maintenance; cleaning, organizing, and restocking supplies 
• Track work and compliantly order materials and reagents associated with numerous projects under multiple grants 
• Review primary data with your supervisor 
• Collaborate with other staff and perform other duties as requested by the Principal Investigator or senior lab staff 
• Closely follow all standard operating procedures 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT THIS LEVEL

• Education/Training: Work generally requires skills acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other science related scientific field program.
• Experience: Work requires two years of research experience. A related master's degree may offset required years of experience on a 1:1 basis, e.g., a two-year master's degree in lieu of two years of experience. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.

PREFERENCES 

• Previous lab experience is highly desired 
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and within a team, and to troubleshoot and resolve problems, is required 
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Must be detail-oriented and well organized 

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work generally requires skills acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other science related scientific field program.

Experience

Work requires two years of research experience. A related master's  degree may offset required years of experience on a 1:1 basis, e.g., a two year master's degree in lieu of two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience..

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