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.

100% grant-funded position expected through 12/31/2025, with extensions contingent on funding, performance, and needs of the lab.

Research Technician III position in the Molecular Genetics and Microbiology department at Duke University as part of Dr. Clare Smith’s research program. We are interested in biological questions related to infectious diseases. The successful candidate will become part of a cutting-edge research program focused on understanding the host-pathogen interactions that underlie tuberculosis.

Major responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

-Maintain mouse colonies, including genotyping and database management. Determine and set up instruments, material and apparatus and operate laboratory equipment required for specific tests. Obtain, prepare, mount and stain tissue, blood and other substances for microscopic examination. 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. Performs experiments and assist in completing large projects. Techniques used will include mammalian tissue culture, murine infection models, molecular biology, next generation sequencing and bacterial genetics.

- Compile, analyze, document and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results. Maintain database for raw data and organize/prepare scientific data for analysis by the principal investigator. Develop charts and graphs for scientific publications.

- Order, reconcile, record and manage delivery of lab supplies. 10%

- 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.

- Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents and solutions. Order, reconcile, record and manage delivery of lab supplies, 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 as needed or assigned.

Must have – Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science or equivalent, excellent organizational and communication skills, ability to perform duties independently as well as work as part of a team.

 Preferred – Previous experience working with mouse colonies, demonstrated experience with mycobacterial infections in model organisms, genetic engineering in model organisms, experience with mammalian tissue culture.

 Additional extras that are beneficial – knowledge of data analysis and statistics

Working conditions – Wet laboratory, biosafety level 3 containment work, some animal and human specimen work.

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.

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.