RESEARCH TECHNICIAN I

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.

Occupational Summary

Perform a variety of routine and complex technical duties involved in the standardized biospecimen processing and biobanking in support of Substrate Services Research Support Core and Research Support’s (SSCRS) mission to support investigator driven research projects and clinical trials.  Tasks are to be performed according to written procedures and policies with careful monitoring of quality control and quality assurance practices.

Work Performed

Perform a variety of routine and complex technical duties involved in standardized processing of biospecimens for the purpose of biobanking and submission of samples for the generation of experimental data.

Process biospecimen collections from various research studies within the defined collection period outlined within each study specific protocol and according to each study’s SSCRS study-specific protocol. 

Process biospecimen collections for testing using appropriate identification techniques and written procedures to ensure quality material for biobanking and testing.

Perform basic troubleshooting of biospecimen processing problems as directed by senior staff. Communicate problems/issues to appropriate individuals.

Participate in the preparation for lab inspections.  Bring any non-compliance issues to the attention of upper-level staff

Participate in proficiency testing as directed to maintain GCLP and/or CAP compliance.

Complete all required documentation per Good Clinical Laboratory Practice procedures outlined within SSCRS.

Accurately enter sample level data into the Laboratory Information Management System and REDCap-based sample intake and processing form.

Document quality control and quality assurance results and/or issues. Notify upper-level personnel of instrument malfunctions or unusual or unexpected data or results.

Understand, comply, and perform with all necessary safety procedures. Maintain compliance with safety training. Report all safety incidents within 24 hours.

Attend all laboratory meetings, safety and compliance training as required.

Comply with competency testing procedures for the laboratory staff.

Comply with laboratory training programs.

Serve in an on-call capacity to perform sample collection and processing.  On-call coverage requires carrying the SSCRS on-call pager and promptly respond to all pages in a professional and courteous manner. 

Perform appropriate set up and preventive maintenance of instruments, material and apparatus and operate laboratory equipment required for specific biospecimen processing standard operating procedures.

Prepare biospecimen processing reagents and solutions.

Maintain sufficient inventory of material, supplies and equipment for performance of duties; clean and maintain laboratory equipment.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires an Associate's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other science related scientific field.

Experience

None required above education/training requirement OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR 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.