Research Technician II, Nicholas School

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Research Technician II

Summary

The Emanuel and Bernhardt labs at Duke University are jointly searching for a research technician to assist with a NASA funded project to understand the distribution and drivers of coastal ghost forests. This position has funding for 5 months with the possibility of an extension if funding is available. 

Work Performed

The technician would primarily help with field and laboratory work associated with the NASA funded project. More specifically, they would assist with sample collection of water, soils and tree biomass in coastal wetlands, and then would aid in conducting laboratory analyses and experiments with these samples. Field work will require working long days in difficult terrain, and in the heat. Laboratory work will require long periods of sitting / standing while preparing samples and running basic laboratory equipment. The technician will have the opportunity to gain new skills in analytical chemistry, remote sensing and data analysis. Start date is negotiable for the right candidate. We have a preference for candidates that could start early June 2025.

40hrs/week position.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, Ecology or similar

Skills

• Background knowledge in basic Biology, Chemistry and/or Ecology
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, and carry through difficult terrain
• Basic wet lab skills – weighing samples, pipetting, safe chemical handling
• Attention to detail in both the field and the lab
• Ability to work independently and safely
• Valid US driver’s license and ability to safely drive large pickup trucks in remote areas

• Proficient in R or similar programing language
• Experience working with in-situ aquatic sensors and/or handheld YSI type systems
• Google Earth Engine experience, and ability to analyze geospatial data

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position of USD $18.69 to USD $28.28. The university considers various factors when extending an offer, including (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Your total compensation goes beyond just the salary on your paycheck. Duke University offers comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs for 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.

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