RESEARCH TECHNICIAN III

Work Arrangement:

Requisition Number: 265166

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: MEDICAL CENTER

Date: Jan 9, 2026

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 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Be You.

The Duke Microbiome Core is part of a vibrant community of researchers and supports labs at Duke and beyond by providing services for processing and analysis of a wide range of microbiome samples from humans, other organisms and the environment. We are currently seeking an on – site Technician III to join our highly collaborative team located at Medical Science Research Building 3, 3 Genome Ct in Durham, North Carolina.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Training

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 or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or 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 years of experience.

Preferred Skills

The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Experience with next-generation sequencing platforms and familiarity with microbiome studies are highly preferred.

Work Performed

Job duties for this position include the following:

DNA microbiome extractions

Optimize and perform DNA extractions from a variety of sample types for microbiome analysis using kits on automated liquid handlers

NGS library prep

Optimize and perform NGS library preps for a16S, ITS or 18S analysis on PacBio or Illumina platforms.

Interact with Core customers

Oversee sample submissions and interact with Core users to provide technical support and information on protocols and analysis strategies. Maintain detailed sample tracking and processing records for enhanced rigor and reproducibility.

Technology development

Work with Core Director and Duke Microbiome research community to research and pilot new technologies and experimental strategies as potential new services for the Core. Develop and test new Microbiome SOPs as needed.

Choose Duke.

Join our award-winning team as identified by Forbes magazine as America’s Best Large Employer 2024 and be part of an inclusive culture that values excellence, innovation, and discovery. As an organization, we have exciting opportunities to be forward-thinking leaders in our field. We want talented individuals to join us, examine our current operations, and create innovative solutions that will revolutionize and enhance the way we approach our work.

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 Benefits package Open Enrollment for 2026 Benefits | Human Resources including health insurance plans, generous paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, tuition assistance for employees

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 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.