LAB RESEARCH ANALYST I

This Position is Grant Funded

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 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Lab Research Analyst (Williams)

A HIV-1 Envelope (Env) vaccine that elicits broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) has remained elusive, in part due to our limited understanding of the mechanisms of bnAb induction during natural infection. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of infant and adult bnAb development will facilitate design of vaccine strategies to elicit bnAbs. Dr. Williams is investigating HIV-1 Env-reactive antibody immunity, including bnAb induction in mom-baby pairs of pathogenic SHIV-infected rhesus macaques; the results of which can inform HIV-1 vaccine design in humans. He is seeking a lab analyst with research experience in virology or immunology to study neonatal and adult immunity to novel SHIVs. This proactive candidate will be self-motivated and committed to their research, and willing to undertake multiple molecular biology approaches to address an area of HIV research that is understudied. Here at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, we value collaborations, and pride ourselves in providing an excellent environment for academic and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Performs flow cytometry-based macaque single B cell isolation
  • B cell enrichment from macaque cells from blood and other tissues
  • Design and execute reagent QC assays, including antibody titrations for single cell staining experiments
  • Design and execute flow cytometry data analysis using Flowjo
  • Protocol development
• Performs antibody repertoire studies following flow-based isolation of HIV-1-reactive B cells
  • PCR isolation of antibody genes from single sorted HIV-1 reactive B cells
  • Large scale antibody production and purification
  • Antibody sequence analysis
• Understand and comply with all safety standards and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all laboratory staff
• Archive experiments in a manner that is scientifically justifiable, reliable and understandable to others
• Keep lab equipment, chemicals reagents and supplies in excellent order
• Track work and compliantly order materials and reagents associated with numerous projects under multiple grants
• Learn new techniques from colleagues, develop new techniques for the lab, and teach them to others
• 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.

Education, Skills, & Experience Requirements

• Masters in biological science or related field
• Must be able to manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities and have ability to quickly learn new skills
• Must be detail-oriented, well organized with strong communication skills and ability to work in an interactive team environment.

How to Apply: 

Interested applicants should also email CV, brief statement of research interests and names & contact information for three references to Dr. Wilton Williams at wilton.williams@duke.edu

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