RESEARCH TECHNICIAN III

This position is grant funded

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.

Are you passionate about life sciences and eager to contribute to groundbreaking research? The Soderling Lab is a cellular neuroscience lab at Duke University and is currently seeking a dedicated, talented, and highly motivated Lab Technician to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will focus on applying yeast genetics and protein purification methods to advance new developments in directed evolution and AI-driven protein design. This position provides an opportunity to help pioneer cutting-edge approaches in a dynamic, collaborative research environment while honing your skills in molecular cloning, protein purification, and proteomics.

Responsibilities:

Yeast Genetics: Maintain and manipulate various yeast strains (e.g., strain construction, transformations, phenotype screening) to facilitate directed evolution studies.

Protein Purification: Express and purify proteins, troubleshoot purification protocols, and conduct quality control (e.g., SDS-PAGE, Western blot).
Molecular Biology: Perform routine molecular cloning, PCR, and plasmid prep to support genetic engineering projects.
Directed Evolution & AI: Collaborate with team members using AI-based methods for library design and screening, as well as help interpret results to optimize directed evolution experiments. FACs sorting experience is a bonus.
Data Management & Analysis: Document experimental procedures, organize results, and analyze data in both raw and processed forms. Contribute to lab meetings and collaborate with colleagues to ensure project objectives are met.

Laboratory support: Perform routine lab maintenance, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring a safe and clean work environment. Contribute to mouse colony management.

Requirements:

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

•    Prior experience in a research setting, ideally with yeast genetics and/or protein purification.
•    Familiarity or interest in protein engineering, directed evolution, and AI-based methods.
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
•    Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills

• Strong understanding of laboratory safety and best practices, and familiarity with standard laboratory equipment and software

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plan
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development
• Access to cutting-edge technology and resources
• Collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment

Ready to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge at Duke University's Soderling Lab? Apply online for this position, then also submit your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to Julie.kent@duke.edu. Please include the subject line "Lab Technician Position" in your email.

Duke University is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

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.