Research Technician II

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.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality, curiosity, and the unique perspectives each team member brings to our research community. As a Research Technician II in the laboratory of Dr. Heather M. Stapleton within the Nicholas School of the Environment, you'll contribute to innovative environmental health research that seeks to understand chemical exposures and improve public health outcomes.

In this role, you'll collaborate with scientists, researchers, graduate students, and community partners while supporting nationally recognized studies focused on firefighter health, environmental contaminants, and emerging exposure concerns such as PFAS.

Whether you're conducting field sampling, supporting participant recruitment, or preparing samples for advanced chemical analysis, your work will directly contribute to research that informs policy, protects communities, and advances scientific discovery.

Be Bold.

The research you support will help address some of today's most pressing environmental health challenges. Through hands-on laboratory work, field research, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, you'll play an important role in generating data that drives evidence-based solutions and improves public health.

What You'll Do

Support Research Participant Recruitment and Study Operations (40%)

• Partner with project managers to coordinate and participate in recruitment events for the North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study.
• Prepare, transport, and set up research equipment and materials for recruitment events throughout North Carolina.
• Engage with prospective study participants by explaining research protocols and supporting enrollment activities.
• Maintain accurate participant enrollment records and study documentation.
• Distribute and collect study surveys while ensuring a positive participant experience.
• Transport biological samples to Duke laboratories and perform sample processing activities including centrifugation and aliquoting.

Conduct Environmental Field Sampling (25%)

• Independently perform field sampling activities supporting a FEMA-funded study assessing air quality in fire stations.
• Prepare, transport, deploy, and retrieve environmental sampling equipment at designated field locations.
• Collect and document field measurements and required metadata to ensure research quality and compliance.
• Maintain detailed records to support data integrity and project objectives.

Perform Laboratory Sample Preparation and Analysis (25%)

• Support preparation and extraction of environmental and biological samples for analysis of PFAS, flame retardants, and other environmental contaminants.
• Utilize established laboratory procedures and quality control practices to ensure accurate analytical results.
• Assist with chemical analyses utilizing advanced instrumentation, including LC-MS/MS and GC-HRMS platforms.
• Maintain laboratory organization, equipment readiness, and compliance with safety procedures.

Support Scientific Research and Data Activities (10%)

• Assist with data management, analysis, and interpretation of research findings.
• Support operation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of analytical instrumentation.
• Collaborate with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and laboratory staff on ongoing research projects.
• Contribute to scientific presentations, reports, publications, and dissemination of research findings when appropriate.

What You Bring

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education

Work requires a bachelor's degree in chemistry, or other environmental science related scientific field.

Experience

None required above education/training requirement.

OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience supporting environmental or analytical chemistry research.
• Experience preparing environmental and biological samples for chemical analysis.
• Familiarity with analytical methods used to evaluate environmental contaminants.
• Experience with scientific data analysis and technical or scientific writing.

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access.
• Mass spectrometry software platforms such as MassHunter, TraceFinder, or similar applications.
• Statistical software including R, SAS, STATA, or related analytical tools.
• Experience working with analytical instrumentation and laboratory information systems is a plus.

What Will Help You Succeed

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently in both laboratory and field environments.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to scientific integrity, quality, and safety.
• Interest in environmental health, exposure science, and public health research.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll find more than a job. You'll join a collaborative academic and research community dedicated to solving complex challenges through discovery, innovation, and service.

As part of the Nicholas School of the Environment, you'll work alongside leading researchers whose work influences environmental policy, public health, and scientific understanding around the world. You'll have opportunities to grow professionally while contributing to research that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of firefighters, communities, and future generations.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help advance environmental health research while supporting innovative studies that protect communities and improve public health outcomes.