Research Technician II - Psychiatry - Bmed Division - Dzirasa Team

Research Technician II position available with the Collective for Psychiatric Neuroengineering led by Dr. Kafui Dzirasa at Duke University.

We are seeking an energetic, organized laboratory technician to help perform cutting-edge translational neuropsychiatric research. 

Our multidisciplinary research team integrates a variety of approaches (e.g., neurophysiological, behavioral, biochemical, engineering, and computational) to identify patterns of electrical activity in awake, freely behaving mice under normal and disease conditions. In conjunction with machine learning, we record neural activity in behaving mice and study how brain regions interact with each other across space and time within brain circuits that we believe underlie various emotional and cognitive states. We aim to develop circuit interventions that may be translated for novel treatment of psychiatric disorders in humans. 

WORK PERFORMED

We are seeking a full-time technician to collaborate with senior investigators on the design, preparation, and execution of experiments. Specifically, technicians will help build electrodes, perform mouse survival stereotaxic surgery, perform mouse behavioral experiments (including but not limited to compulsivity, sociability, reward processing, anxiety, and depression), utilize standard histological analyses for the identification of proper probe targeting, and analyze data using standard and machine learning algorithms. This role may also include other duties necessary for achieving lab goals, including inventory management, chemical and lab safety maintenance, and general lab upkeep. There will be opportunities for authorship and presentation of results at conferences. 

QUALIFICATIONS

High motivation, commitment, and superb organizational skills are a must. The position requires a Bachelor's degree and basic computer skills. Prior small animal handling experience and basic bench work proficiency are highly desired, with preference given to those with prior related research experiences and/or interest in future research. The position is available to start September 1, 2023 (start date negotiable), and a two-year commitment is required. Salary is competitive and based on experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work generally requires a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other directly related scientific field.

Experience

None required above education/training requirement. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

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.