Research Technician II

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.

Occupational Summary

Perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting laboratory tests, experiments and determinations in support of Duke University research operations.

The Tata lab studies mechanisms of cellular plasticity in organ regeneration and tumorigenesis. Find out more about our lab and research here: https://thetatalab.com/

Work Performed

Perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting physical, chemical, biological and other research laboratory tests, experiments and determinations to obtain data for research purposes; compile, analyze, document and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results.

Confer with principal investigator to review work assignments and develop plans for research experiments; make minor modifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques to meet the needs of the particular equipment as required. Review laboratory methods manual, scientific journals, abstracts and other literature for information applicable to research experiments.

The candidate will work closely with postdoctoral fellows and graduate students and is expected to independently perform daily activities of the laboratory, which include: 

5. Mice maintenance, breeding, genotyping
6. Performs standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, DNA, RNA, and protein extraction, etc.)
7. Packaging viruses (AAV, Lenti)
8. Perform histological techniques (tissue processing, sectioning, immunofluorescence)
9. Assist with performing small and short-term basic experiments and completing individual parts of an overall large experiment/project.
10. Documents, compiles, and analyzes experimental results
11. Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents and solutions.
12. Maintain sufficient inventory of material, supplies and equipment for performance of duties; clean and maintain laboratory equipment.
13. Review work of lower level laboratory personnel within designated areas and assist in training new personnel and rotation students.
14. Maintain database for raw data and organize/prepare scientific data for analysis by the principal investigator.
15. Participate in weekly lab meetings and journal clubs, and present material as scheduled.
16. Collect tissue samples from Duke – tissue biorepository and other collaborators and process them for histology, cell cultures, including organoid cultures, and make frozen stocks for future use.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Required Qualifications

Education/Training: Work generally requires a minimum of bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or other directly related biomedical sciences. A master’s degree is not a requirement but that would be advantageous.

Experience: One to two years of laboratory training. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

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.