Research Technician II, Duke University Marine Lab

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN II 

Job Level: 8

Occupational Summary:

Perform a variety of complex technical duties in the laboratory and field in support of agriculture projects and weekly environmental marine sampling.

Work Performed:

10% Growing of algae using sterile technique and associated measurements.  Measurements may include dry weight, ash content, chlorophyll, lipids, protein, nutrients, or other chemical analyses for which candidate should have direct experience.

30% Harvesting (concentration) of microalgae using a combination of filtration and centrifuge based technologies in an outdoor facility including associated measurements as above.

10% Perform a variety of technical duties involved in conducting physical, chemical or biological tests, experiments and determinations to obtain data in support of research-oriented activities such as light level quantification, calibration of YSI probes and algae growth incubators; compile and document procedures and results on the microbial oceanography wiki (Confluence) and custom database (Filemaker). Set up instruments, material and apparatus and operate standard laboratory equipment required for specific tests. Prepare algae culture media, chemicals, reagents and solutions.

15% Weekly sampling and processing of samples from the Pivers Island Coastal Observatory including measurements outlined above.

10% Maintain sufficient inventory of materials, supplies and equipment for performance of duties; clean and maintain standard laboratory equipment. Review work of lower level laboratory personnel and assist in the training of new personnel.

10% Confer with principal investigator to review project progress and develop plans for research experiments in support of MAGIC-ABCDE project that investigates algae products, growth and carbon utilization; make minor modifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques to meet the needs of the particular experiment/equipment as required by individual strains of algae. 

10% Prepare and deliver updates on data and performance at weekly staff meetings and provide comprehensive quarterly written reports to satisfy the requirements of the sponsor (e.g. Department of Energy).

5% Other responsibilities may include general lab upkeep, dishwashing or other cleaning/maintenance associated with normal laboratory or field operations, sample preparation or other tasks as assigned.

Requirements:

• Attention to detail and standard operating procedures/protocols and compliance with safety requirements are essential.
• Maintain progress on multiple projects simultaneously including balancing of workload between projects based on their needs.
• Candidate must be able to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends, some evenings or early mornings as the project requires.
• Candidate must be able to perform many of the above tasks outside or otherwise in the field.
• Thrive as a team member in a complex environment composed of researchers, students (undergraduate and graduate), staff and other visiting members.  
• Assist others in their project roles, and to direct others in helping achieve goals associated with this position including assigning tasks.
• Attend classes, meetings and training sessions offered by Duke that will enhance the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful and perform as expected for the position.

Perform other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Candidate must have laboratory experience in discipline or similar area (e.g. microalgae, biochemical analyses or wastewater treatment operations preferred).

Candidate must have a degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Civil/Environmental Engineering or Related Field.

Skills: 

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) proficiency
• Familiarity with basic laboratory procedures and ability follow established protocols
• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and work assignments
• Ability to troubleshoot problems
• Outstanding customer service
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Work effectively as part of a team to achieve established outcomes
• Excellent interpersonal skills both in person and by phone or video connection, with high professionalism
• Ability to accomplish projects with little supervision
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and walk to various buildings on campus

We value diversity of backgrounds and experience, so if you aren’t an expert in all of the techniques we use, but have the desire and ability to successfully learn them, your application is welcome! Our lab is a training environment; we are primarily interested in recruiting people who love science and are willing to put in the work to achieve their goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work generally requires a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other directly related scientific field.

Experience

None required above education/training requirement or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.