Research Technician II - Duke Cancer Institute

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.

Be You.

Duke University is seeking a Research Technician II to support Duke University research operations by performing a variety of complex laboratory duties. In this role, you will contribute to the design and execution of laboratory experiments while participating in a structured program focused on both research excellence and career development.

Your time in this position will be spent on research activities and professional development. The program curriculum includes workshops focused on the fundamentals of scientific research, scientific writing, statistics, and career development. Training also includes in-depth, mentored research with a Duke Faculty mentor as well as peer mentoring. This role offers hands-on laboratory experience within a collaborative research environment while building essential skills for future scientific careers.

You will work closely with faculty mentors and laboratory team members, contributing to ongoing research while developing strong technical, analytical, and communication skills. The ideal candidate is organized, reliable, attentive to detail, and committed to fostering a positive, diverse, and inclusive laboratory culture.

Requirements

• Generally requires a Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, psychology, botany, zoology, or another directly related biomedical or scientific field
• No experience required beyond the stated education and training requirements
• Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-based laboratory environment
• Knowledge of basic data collection and research principles typically acquired through undergraduate education, training, or research experience

This position is onsite, with work performed at a designated Duke University location.

Be Bold.

In this role, you will perform a variety of complex technical duties in support of Duke University research operations, including:

• Performing complex technical work involving physical, chemical, biological, and other research laboratory tests, experiments, and determinations to obtain data for research purposes
• Compiling, analyzing, and documenting experimental data and drawing tentative conclusions from research results
• Conferring with an assigned faculty mentor and laboratory team members to review work assignments and develop plans for research experiments
• Collaborating with faculty mentor and laboratory team members to maintain and perform laboratory work in accordance with Good Clinical Laboratory Practices
• Reading laboratory methods manuals, scientific journals, abstracts, and other literature applicable to assigned research experiments
• Performing additional laboratory duties and participating in career development activities as assigned

Choose Duke.

Duke University is a world-class institution committed to excellence in research, education, and discovery. As a Research Technician II, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive research environment that values mentorship, learning, and professional growth.

This role provides meaningful exposure to academic research while working alongside faculty leaders and experienced research professionals. Duke is dedicated to maintaining a positive climate that supports diversity, inclusion, and scientific integrity across all research settings.