RESEARCH TECHNICIAN II

Be You.

Department of Cell Biology is looking for a Research Technician II to work alongside Dr. Purushothama Tata in research projects. Perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting laboratory tests, experiments and determinations in support of Duke University research operations.

The Tata lab studies mechanisms of cellular plasticity in organ regeneration and tumorigenesis. Find out more about our lab and research here: https://thetatalab.com/

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.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field

• One to two years of laboratory training. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree is not a requirement but that would be advantageous.

Duke University is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

This position is

• Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.

Be Bold.                                   

The candidate will work closely with postdoctoral fellows and graduate students and is expected to independently perform daily activities of the laboratory, which include: 

• Mice maintenance, breeding, genotyping
• Assists lab personnel with routine experiments
• Performs standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, DNA, RNA, and protein extraction, etc.)
• Packaging viruses (AAV, Lenti)
• Perform histological techniques (tissue processing, sectioning, immunofluorescence)
• Documents, compiles, and analyzes experimental results
• Determine and set up instruments, material and apparatus and operate laboratory equipment required for specific tests.
• 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 and rotation students.
• Develop charts and graphs for scientific publications
• Maintain database for raw data and organize/prepare scientific data for analysis by the principal investigator.
• Assist with performing small and short-term basic experiments and completing individual parts of an overall large experiment/project.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings and journal clubs, and present material as scheduled.
• Collect tissue samples from Duke – tissue biorepository and other collaborators and process them for histology, cell cultures, including organoid cultures, and make frozen stocks for future use.

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.

Choose Duke.

Screening of Applications

• Screening continues until position is filled. (Note: Search committee will screen applications as they come in and must continue screening ALL applications until position is filled, regardless of where the search committee is at in the review process.)