RESEARCH TECHNICIAN II - Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

Please note, this 100% grant funded position is for approximately two years to start with extensions contingent on funding, performance, and needs of the lab.

The David Lab at Duke University (www.ladlab.org) is recruiting a technician to join a team of scientists developing new DNA sequencing tools to study diet and the human gut microbiome. We are particularly interested in creating new ways to measure food intake, which is essential for monitoring and improving human health. We are developing molecular techniques that allow us to track the dietary plant and animal species that people consume. We are applying these tools to biospecimens from populations across North Carolina and the world. Data resulting from these studies will allow us to compare our biomarker of diet to traditional surveys of dietary intake. The results of our studies will also allow us to create new models of disease risk and examine geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic determinants of diet.

Occ Summary

Perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting laboratory tests, experiments and determinations in support of Duke University research operations with a focus on assisting the lab in carrying out microbiome and biochemical analyses of the human gut. Primary focus will largely be on carrying out DNA metabarcoding experiments, but will assist in other areas as needed or assigned.

Work Performed

Perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting physical, chemical, biological and other research laboratory tests, experiments and determinations to obtain data for research purposes; compile, analyze, document and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results.

Confer with principal investigator to review work assignments and develop plans for research experiments; make minor modifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques to meet the needs of the particular equipment as required.

Review laboratory methods manual, scientific journals, abstracts and other literature for information applicable to research experiments.

Determine and set up instruments, material and apparatus and operate laboratory equipment required for specific tests.

Obtain, prepare, and analyze stool, tissue, blood and/or other substances as needed.

Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents and solutions.

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

Review work of lower level laboratory personnel within designated areas and assist in training new personnel.

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 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 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.

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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.