Research Technician III

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 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Be You.

The Asokan lab (www.asokanlab.org) is affiliated with the Duke Department of Surgery, Molecular Genetics & Microbiology & Biomedical Engineering and is focused on the development and evaluation of novel gene therapy vectors. We are currently seeking to hire a motivated candidate for a Research Technician III position to assist with in-vivo experimentation and animal husbandry techniques in the lab. A competitive salary and benefits package will be provided according to the Duke University School of Medicine guidelines.

Minimum Requirements:

• Work generally requires skills acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other science related scientific field program.
• Work requires two years of research experience. A related master's degree may offset required years of experience on a 1:1 basis, e.g., a two year master's degree in lieu of two years of experience.
• OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, genetics, microbiology or other related scientific fields.
• Two years of research experience involving mouse work.
• Detail-oriented, very well organized, and approach laboratory procedures with critical thinking.
• Strong initiative and eagerness to learn.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills.
• Must adhere to strict safety requirements.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively in a dynamic group environment. 

Other Requirements:

This position is onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.

Be Bold.

The candidate will work closely with lab members including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, research technicians, and is expected to independently perform daily activities which include, but may not be limited to:

• CRISPR assays and NGS sample prep
• AAV preparation, quality control and titering, maintain suspension tissue culture systems of up to 20L, operate tangential flow filtration and chromatography systems to purify AAV virus, and analyze sequencing data to ensure quality control between different virus preparations.
• Tissue culture maintenance, DNA/RNA extraction and cloning DNA constructs in bacterial systems.
• Perform analytical techniques on vector preparations (qPCR, ELISA, protein gels etc).
• Obtain, prepare, mount and stain tissue, blood and other substances for microscopic examination.
• Perform recombinant protein expression from bacteria.
• Ensure validity and reliability of data and maintain accurate records.
• From time-to-time support additional high-priority projects to meet deadlines.
• Attend and participate in relevant meetings, training, and development sessions.

• Determine and setup instruments and operate laboratory equipment required for specific tests.

• Use and maintain lab equipment in accordance with university’s health & safety guidelines.

• Review laboratory methods manual, scientific journals, abstracts and other literature for information applicable to research experiments.
• Review work of lower-level laboratory personnel within designated areas and assist in training new person