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.

Be You.

Are you passionate about life sciences and eager to contribute to groundbreaking research? The Soderling Lab is a cellular neuroscience lab at Duke University and is currently seeking a dedicated, talented, and highly motivated research technician to join our dynamic team for a 6 month time frame. In this role, you will focus on assisting with a specific project aimed at generating large phosphopeptide datasets that will enable to identification of kinase-substrate pairs and their target phosphorylation sites. This position will work in close collaboration with our senior scientist.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field
• Prior experience with tissue sample preparation, virus production, and molecular biology

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills

• Strong understanding of laboratory safety and best practices, and familiarity with standard laboratory equipment and software

Duke University is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

This position is

• Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.

Be Bold.                                   

Responsibilities:

• Tissue Preparation

Dissect tissue samples and use a vibrating microtome to prepare coronal slices. Apply defined inhibitors, snap-freeze samples, and prepare them for downstream protein extraction and mass spectrometry.

• Virus Production

Maintain HEK293T cell cultures and follow the lab’s standard operating procedures (SOP) for AAV production, purification, and viral titration.

• Molecular Biology

Perform routine molecular biology techniques, including molecular cloning, PCR, and plasmid preparation, to support this project.

• Integrated Workflow

These tasks—tissue preparation, AAV production (via three-plasmid transfection), and plasmid cloning—are interrelated. Proficiency across these areas is essential to ensure smooth project execution.

• Laboratory tasks

Additional related laboratory tasks not specifically noted above may be included in the requirements for this position

Choose Duke.

Screening of Applications

• Screening continues until position is filled. (Note: Search committee will screen applications as they come in and must continue screening ALL applications until position is filled, regardless of where the search committee is at in the review process.) 

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.