Lab Research Analyst I

Laboratory Research Analyst I

The Dou laboratory at Duke University is seeking a highly-motivated and qualified individual for the position of Laboratory Research Analyst I to perform laboratory experiments in a cutting-edge RNA biology and sequencing lab geared towards defining the mechanisms and drivers for autoimmune diseases. The Dou lab utilizes a multidisciplinary approach including biochemical assays, tissue culture, mouse models, FACS/flow cytometry, and high throughput sequencing among other assays to study the underlying causes and developmental course of autoimmune diseases from a lncRNA and epigenetic gene regulation perspective.

This laboratory research analyst position involves both experimental research and lab management responsibilities, as well as training of other lab personnel and trainees in experimental techniques performed in the lab. The successful candidate will work both independently and under direct supervision from the principal investigator, as necessary. The analyst will be directed as to which projects to pursue, methods to employ, and receive any necessary training for new techniques, but will be expected to complete a number of experiments and day-to-day monitoring of mice without requiring immediate supervision. The analyst will be expected to make modifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques, in order to meet the needs of particular equipment or research questions of interest. They will also be expected to review laboratory methods manuals, scientific journals, abstracts and other literature for information applicable to research experiments performed in the lab.

Skills

This position is geared for the highly motivated individual with a preferred background in RNA biology and/or immunology and wet lab experience. Successful candidates for this position must display self-initiative and motivation, teamwork, excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Preference will be given to applicants with animal handling experience. Some basic computer science background (python or R programming) would be useful.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine lab maintenance, cleaning, ordering and organizing

• Understand, comply and assist in enforcing all safety standards and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all laboratory staff

• Maintain adequate stock of lab supplies and ensure proper setup and functioning of equipment

• Manage a transgenic mouse colony, including but not limited to: live mouse handling, ordering, genotyping, breeding, routine monitoring of animal health, sample collection and processing, maintaining and updating mouse line records on multiple databases, and etc.

• Perform simple techniques in cell biology and microscopy: examples include cell isolation and culture procedures, immunocytochemistry, tissue cryosectioning, microscope imaging, cell sorting, and some basic molecular biology and biochemistry.

• Perform complex experiments working with both animal and human specimens in teams and individually: examples include sample preparation for storage and downstream studies, protein/nucleic acid isolation, immunoprecipitation, sequencing library and proteomics workflows, and etc.

• Utilize standard protocols through the application of theoretical knowledge acquired from input from supervisor and experiments in the field, in order to simplify or reduce error and inconsistency in results.

• Assist in the design and analysis of experiments; carry out experiments with minimal or no immediate supervision and record and maintain all acquired data in specified formats for scientific reliability and general comprehension

• Learn and develop new lab techniques and assist in the training of new personnel.

• Perform other duties as requested by the Principal Investigator

Requirements:

B.S. or B.A. in basic biosciences-related major

M.S. degree or at least five years of related laboratory work

Animal handling experience preferred

Application

Candidates should e-mail the following materials to Diana Dou (diana.dou@duke.edu):

• Cover letter including statement of interest, research experience, and career goals
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for 3 recent references

Minimum Qualifications

Education

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

Experience

Work requires two years of research experience. A related master's OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 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.

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.

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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.