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.

Research Tech III (Williams)

Be You. 

The Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) continues to lead cutting edge vaccine research against infectious diseases that impact global health. Basic science discoveries made using a variety of human and pathogen-derived proteins, designed, expressed and purified by a collaborative DHVI team have contributed to the identification of vaccine and therapeutic candidates currently being produced in Good Manufacturing Practice facilities for early phase clinical trials. 

Understanding host immunity to vaccines will provide insights into vaccine efficacy and inform future designs for more effective vaccines. Additionally, understanding host immunity to pathogens will inform future vaccine design to elicit effective host immunity. We are exploring humoral and cellular immune responses in infant and adult non-human primates (NHPs) that have either been immunized with HIV-1 vaccine regimens or infected with Simian HIV (SHIV) using a variety or molecular virology and immunology assays. Our efforts are aimed at identifying and characterizing antibodies elicited by infection or vaccination in NHPs to provide insights into B cells that can be harnessed by an effective HIV vaccine.

Minimum Requirements:

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

Work requires two years of research experience. A related master’s degree may offset required years of experience on a 1:1 basis, e.g., a two year master’s degree in lieu of two year’s experience.

OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree preferred, in biological science or related field. Must be punctual and have excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be team oriented and able to work in a highly collaborative and interactive work environment to complete complex tasks. Must be able to manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities and have ability to quickly learn new skills. Must be detail-oriented and well organized

Be Bold.

Position Description:  

• Perform genomics assays focusing on amplification of B and T cell receptor sequences, and transcripts from immune cells using a variety of PCR-based assays
• Sequence libraries from genomics assays using Illumina Miseq and NextSeq platforms

• Operate 10x Genomics machines for single cell immune profiling assays (Chromium controller, Chromium X, and Chromium Connect)

• Design, execute, analyze, and archive experiments in a manner that is scientifically justifiable, reliable and understandable to others under the guidance of your supervisor. Review primary data with your supervisor.
• Understand and comply with all safety standards and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all laboratory staff
• Keep lab equipment, chemicals reagents and supplies in excellent order
• Perform routine lab maintenance, cleaning, organizing, and restocking supplies
• Track work and compliantly order materials and reagents associated with numerous projects under multiple grants.
• Collaborate with other staff and perform other duties as requested by the Principal Investigator or senior lab staff
• Draft abstracts for local and national research conferences; candidates will give poster or oral presentations at these meetings if the abstract is accepted
• Contribute to manuscript preparation for publication
• Write, edit and update laboratory protocols as techniques are developed and modified

Choose Duke.

Join our award-winning team and be part of an inclusive culture that values excellence, innovation, and discovery. Duke University is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide and is renowned for its cutting-edge research across disciplines. Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from Duke's competitive benefits package, including health insurance plans, generous paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, tuition assistance for employees and their children, and more.

Screening of Applications: Screening continues until the position is filled. For best consideration, apply by November 1, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an hourly salary range for this position as USD $22.61 to USD $34.27 Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate 's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/.

Duke is an 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 (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe 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.