Research Technician II

Dr. Brad Goldstein’s Olfactory Neuroscience Lab in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Department of Neurobiology at Duke University is seeking a Research Associate, to help provide general assistance and contribute to basic and clinical research in the lab. 

This is a full-time position, eligible for all Duke benefits (https://hr.duke.edu/benefits) with an initial appointment term of one year with the possibility of renewal, dependent on performance and funding. 

The Goldstein Lab focuses on the study of neurogenesis and tissue renewal in the olfactory mucosa, in an effort to develop strategies to prevent or treat disorders that cause olfactory damage or loss.  We use mouse models, cell culture approaches and human nasal tissue specimens. The lab utilizes multiple approaches to identify mechanisms regulating adult basal stem and progenitor cells in the olfactory epithelium, as well as olfactory tissue maintenance and renewal. We hold specific expertise in single cell RNA sequencing and have pioneered biopsy-based approaches for scSeq of human olfactory tissue. Our overall goal is to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms causing acquired human olfactory disorders. Recently, we have undertaken projects focused on olfactory loss due to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease, in collaboration with the Duke ADRC. Another collaborative project is focused on understanding olfactory neuroblastoma, a rare malignant tumor arising from the olfactory region.

More information about the research program can be seen here: https://www.neuro.duke.edu/research/faculty-labs/goldstein-lab

Specific duties: This is a unique hybrid position, combining basic lab research assistant technical responsibilities with a small amount of effort providing assistance with clinical research tasks. Responsibilities include performing a variety of experimental techniques, and collecting data, and interaction with graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. Some assistance with lab supply ordering and other routine duties is expected. Because our lab is involved with human subjects, specifically to obtain tissue samples, an ability to perform some basic duties associated with clinical research is desired. This work, under the overall supervision of our Department of Head and Neck Surgery Clinical Research Unit, may include patient correspondence, scheduling assistance for research visits, documentation, and specimen processing.

Motivation, commitment, and superb organizational skills are a must. The position requires a bachelor’s degree and basic computer skills (proficient Excel skills are helpful, and basic knowledge of R or Python is a plus). Basic bench work proficiency is needed. The position is to start in late May 2024 (start date negotiable), and a two-year commitment is preferred. This position includes the opportunity to pursue a variety of research opportunities that can result in authorship in academic publications. Salary is competitive and based on education and experience. 

Please include with your application: most recent CV/Resume and the names and contact information for at least 2 references. 

Interested individuals should apply through Academic Jobs Online. Only applicants that have applied through Academic Jobs Online will be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Questions may be directed to Brad Goldstein at bradley.goldstein@duke.edu.