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 

Half-time position (0.5 FTE) to perform a variety of technical duties involved in conducting laboratory tests, experiments, and assays in support of Duke University scientific research. 

 

Work Performed 

Perform a variety of technical duties involved in conducting biophysical, biochemical, biological and molecular biology laboratory tests, experiments, and assays. Prepare specimens for molecular biology and imaging experiments; perform molecular biology experiments and imaging assays. Carry out recombinant DNA cloning experiments to generate constructs. Perform cytological and genetic experiments with Drosophila, as needed. Obtain data from tests, experiments, and assays: compile, analyze, document, and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results. Assist with maintaining Drosophila stocks. Confer with principal investigator to review work assignments and develop plans for research experiments; make minor modifications, as required, to existing laboratory procedures and techniques to meet the needs of specific experiments. Review laboratory methods, manuals, scientific journals, abstracts, and other literature for information applicable to experiments. Determine proper operation of equipment, set up instruments, operate and maintain laboratory equipment required for specific assays or experiments. 

 

Major Responsibilities 

• Perform varied technical duties to conduct scientific experiments. 
• Record procedures, analyze data, and draw tentative conclusions from results. 
• Confer with principal investigator to review work assignments and develop plans for experiments. 
• Review laboratory methods, manuals, abstracts, journals, and other literature for information applicable to experiments. 
• Maintain inventory of materials and supplies sufficient for performance of experiments in progress; conduct laboratory procedures and dispose of laboratory waste according to lab safety protocols. 
• Review work of lower level laboratory personnel, including undergraduate students; assist in training new personnel. 

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein. 

 

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. 

 

Minimum Qualifications 

Education/Training: Work requires a bachelor's degree in a field of science related to the work performed, e.g., biology, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, biochemistry, biophysics, or another directly related scientific field. 

 

Experience: None required beyond above education requirement and/or experience below. Applicants with previous laboratory research experience will be preferred. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

 

Skills: Applicants with previous experience with Drosophila and/or microscopy will be preferred. 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary 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 University 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. 

 

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