RESEARCH TECHNICIAN II

Research Technician II

Saunders Lab – Duke Human Vaccine Institute

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) continues to lead cutting edge vaccine research against infectious diseases that impact global health. Basic science discoveries made using a variety of human and pathogen-derived proteins designed, expressed, and purified by the highly collaborative DHVI have contributed to the identification of vaccine and therapeutic candidates currently being produced in Good Manufacturing Practice facilities for early phase clinical trials. 

The Saunders laboratory aims to understand the immunology of HIV-1 antibodies and the molecular biology of their interaction with HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoprotein. Our overall goal is to develop protective antibody-based vaccines; therefore, the laboratory has two sections – immunogen design and antibody repertoire analysis. Proteins derived from HIV envelope are designed and expressed as candidate vaccine immunogens for preclinical trials. Additionally, the proteins are used to probe B cells in humans and rhesus macaques in an effort to identify antibody responses stimulated by these immunogens. Lastly, we use in vitro assays to functionally characterize the identified antibodies. Thus, our overall efforts are aimed at designing an effective HIV vaccine to halt the AIDS pandemic.  

We are seeking a motivated and hardworking Research Technician II to support our vaccine development research. The primary responsibilities will include the production of HIV envelopes and nanoparticles, and recombinant antibodies. 

Responsibilities 

• Apply aseptic cell culture techniques to express candidate HIV vaccine immunogens in eukaryotic cells through transient transfection
• Perform the following experimental activities: 
  • Large scale antibody, HIV-1 envelope and nanoparticle, and host protein, production and purification
  • Construct conjugate nanoparticle immunogens using conjugation methods developed in the lab
  • Analysis of recombinant antibodies and HIV-1 envelopes using biochemical and immunological techniques, such as FPLC, SDS-PAGE, Western blots, ELISA, and biolayer interferometry
  • Molecular biology assays such as PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA preparation
  • Sanger sequencing of plasmid DNA
  • HIV-1 envelope and antibody sequence analysis
  • Biotinylation and fluorescent labeling of recombinant proteins
  • Flow cytometry analysis of fluorescent proteins
• Perform routine lab maintenance, cleaning, organizing, and restocking supplies
  • Includes keeping lab equipment, chemicals, reagents, and supplies in excellent order, and managing protein inventories
• Understand and comply with all safety standards and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all laboratory staff
• Closely follow all standard operating procedures
• Compile, analyze, document, and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results
• Confer with the principal investigator/manager to review work assignments and develop plans for research experiments
• Track work and compliantly order materials and reagents associated with numerous projects under multiple grants
• Collaborate with other staff and perform other duties as requested by the Principal Investigator or senior lab staff 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in biological science or related field 
• Experience: Basic skills in laboratory techniques 

Preferred Education, Skills, & Experience Requirements 

• Some previous lab experience is highly desired
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and within a team, and to troubleshoot and resolve problems, is required
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be detail-oriented and well organized 

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

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