LAB RESEARCH ANALYST I

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.

Lab Research Analyst I

(CHSI – Tomaras Lab)

Description of the Position:

The Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology is seeking a detail-oriented scientist to fulfill a key role as a Lab Research Analyst I. This individual will develop and perform assays the antibody response to vaccination and/or infection for diseases of global importance, including assessment of clinical trials for candidate malaria, rotavirus, TB, and HIV-1 vaccines. The study results produced by the person in this role will guide pre-clinical and human clinical trials for vaccines and offer insights into potential mechanisms of protective immunity against pathogens.  In addition to performing endpoint assays, the Lab Research Analyst I role is responsible for assisting with assay development, optimization and standardization of novel laboratory methods. It is pivotal the applicant possesses strong organizational and communication skills in addition to a solid foundation of technical knowledge and skillset. The Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology provides a collaborative work environment with an emphasis on teamwork and innovative discovery.

Job functions include:

• Perform complex and highly technical binding assays in the laboratory to evaluate antibody dynamics in samples from clinical vaccine trials. Assay techniques may include Binding Antibody Multiplex assay (BAMA), ELISA, MSD and other established or newly developed assay techniques. Carefully and accurately document assay conditions, results, and quality control findings, and report them promptly to meet deadlines.
• Play a key role in the development and standardization of new assays, participating in discussions of next steps for follow up assays and in assay design. Develop new methods and protocols, optimize reagents, test various conditions, and determine feasibility of assays using novel antigens.
• Process human blood, mucosal secretion, and tissue specimens while adhering to BSL-2 safety practices.
• Assist with data analysis and writing of qualification and/or validation documentation.
• Assist the laboratory and project managers by contributing to the overall effort to streamline the workload, improve the efficiency of the team, and contribute to the daily laboratory effort while adhering to Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) guidelines.  Assist with writing and editing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).
• Maintain laboratory and associated equipment in a clean, well-ordered, and functional manner.  Keep supplies on hand with a well-planned inventory and ordering system.  
• Maintain laboratory notebook in an orderly fashion for tracking experiments and results. Provide written updates of work each week.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

 

Education, Skills, & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science or related field
• Two years of relevant bench/wet lab 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.
• Experience performing binding antibody assays or multiplex immunoassays in the laboratory is highly preferred.  Experience working in a GLP/GCP environment and/or in a Quality Control or Quali