RESEARCH TECHNICIAN II

Occupational Summary 

Perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting laboratory tests, experiments and determinations in support of Duke University research operations. 

Work Performed 

The applicant will be part of a physician–scientist run lab that studies how the microbiota—the trillions of bacteria that normally live within every person—protects against immune-mediated diseases. Projects focus on identifying and culturing bacteria with immunomodulatory properties as well as understanding the mechanism(s) by which these bacteria influence host physiology. Active projects combine microbiology, bacterial genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, and mouse models of disease to better understand host–bacteria interactions. The lab is part of a vigorous research community that interacts with the Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Immunology. Regular events in these communities offer numerous opportunities to gain exposure to the breadth and depth of translational microbiology and immunology research. Title and salary will be commensurate with experience. 

The research assistant will be responsible for: 

· Performing a variety of routine molecular biology (e.g., isolation of nucleic acids, PCR, ELISAs) and microbiology techniques. 

· Maintaining a mouse colony (e.g., routine husbandry, genotyping, maintaining inventory), administering compounds to mice (injections, oral gavage), performing dissections to isolate and characterize lymphocytes from various tissues, and conducting relevant animal models of disease (e.g., infections, autoimmune models). 

· Working with germ-free and gnotobiotic mice. 

· Assisting with planning specific research procedures across laboratory and animal facilities. 

· Developing and troubleshooting new techniques and processing samples for appropriate downstream data analysis. 

· Maintaining organized and up-to-date records of results and methodologies. 

· Compiling and helping analyze data, preparing charts, graphs, and results of studies. 

· Helping the lab run safely and efficiently, including ordering supplies, maintaining safety approvals, and managing 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. 

Required Qualifications at this Level 

· B.A./B.S. in Biology or a closely related field, with hands-on experience in basic laboratory techniques and operating standard lab equipment. 

· Analytical skills to resolve complex problems requiring the use of scientific, mathematical, or technical principles and in-depth, experienced-based knowledge. 

· Experience with the care and handling of mice, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques is preferred, ideally with some experience outside of laboratory classwork (i.e. in a working laboratory). 

· Strong written and spoken English skills. 

· Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, communication and organizational skills. 

· Flexibility, motivation, and ability to work independently. 

· Willingness and ability to take on multiple projects simultaneously. 

A minimum commitment of two years is required. 

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. 

Duke University 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 essential job 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.

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.

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.