RESEARCH TECHNICIAN III

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.

Neuroscience laboratory studying mechanisms for learning and adaptive behavior of the basal ganglia circuitry and its compromise in disease seeks experienced, high-functioning research technician to join lab team and support ongoing projects involving mechanisms for Parkinson’s disease. 

The ideal candidate will have a passion for being part of the scientific discovery process, high integrity,  interpersonal communication skills and technical mastery of key methodologies such as: aseptic tissue culture, cell and molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, Western blotting), mouse handling, genetic mouse colony management, mouse perfusion, in vivo stereotaxic viral injection surgery, brain tissue immunohistochemical preparation and confocal microscopy imaging (including steps of sectioning, immunostaining, mounting, imaging, and image analysis and interpretation) and mouse behavioral testing. Work environment is dynamic, growth-oriented, inclusive, supportive and collaborative. Specific roles on the research team can be adapted to support the applicant’s growth.

Major responsibilities will include: 

• Design detailed experimental plan to test key questions.
• Perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting rodent behavioral, rodent surgical, molecular biological, and immunohistological experiments to obtain data for research purposes related to ongoing research projects
• Compile, analyze, document and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results.
• Develop charts and graphs for scientific presentations, conferences and publication.
• Follow directions by lab supervisor (Project Manager) to perform experiments to advance overall project goals understanding mechanisms of Parkinson’s and dystonia.
• Follow general guidance and prioritization from laboratory principal investigator.
• Confer with lab supervisor, principal investigator and scientific team members 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.
• In addition to bench science skills, meticulous attention to record keeping, ethical integrity, and respect for coworkers is fully expected.
• Perform aseptic tissue culture technique on cell lines.
• Harvest cells, make lysates and analyze for example by Western analysis.
• Prepare brain samples by animal perfusion, mount and immunologically stain tissue for microscopic examination.
• Handle animals and equipment for behavioral tasks such as rotorod and open field test with video analysis.
• Prepare chemicals, reagents, and solutions as needed for above experiments.
• Maintain sufficient inventory of material, supplies, and equipment for performance of duties; clean and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Maintain documentation of experimental methodology, sample identities, results, and analyses.
• Determine and set up instruments, material, and apparatus and operate laboratory equipment according to proper technique as required for specific tests
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work generally requires skills acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other science related scientific field program.

Experience

Work requires two years of research experience. A related master's OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE degree may offset required years of experience on a 1:1 basis, e.g., a two year master's degree in lieu of two years of experience.

Job Code: 00000691 RESEARCH TECHNICIAN III
Job Level: 10

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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.