Lab Technician

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University in Durham, NC, is seeking a detail-oriented Lab Technician to join the Civil & Environmental Engineering research team led by Professor Nicole Rockey. The role involves conducting laboratory experiments, maintaining organized operations, and documenting results in a supportive learning environment.

No prior laboratory experience is required as training will be provided to build hands-on skills in various methods, ensuring safety and data integrity within the team.

Qualifications

• Basic science background normally acquired through a high school education.
• Ability and willingness to learn and perform laboratory procedures.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Commitment to following laboratory procedures and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments including mammalian and bacterial cell culture, nucleic acid extractions, molecular analyses, and virus stock generation while following established protocols and laboratory safety requirements.
• Support laboratory operations by maintaining organized workspaces, monitoring inventory levels, stocking supplies, and coordinating laboratory supply orders.
• Maintain accurate experimental records in designated paper and electronic formats to ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with laboratory standards.
• Follow laboratory procedures and safety practices while contributing to the efficient daily operation of the research laboratory.
• Collaborate with research team members to support ongoing studies focused on the environmental persistence and transmission of infectious diseases.

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Team collaboration

Safety compliance

Biology basics

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular methods

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological or environmental sciences

Tools

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular methods

Job description

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.

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. The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Duke University is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Lab Technician to join the research team led by Professor Nicole Rockey. The laboratory studies the environmental persistence and transmission of infectious diseases, with the goal of identifying and developing approaches to reduce pathogen spread and improve environmental health. In this role, you'll contribute directly to scientific research while developing hands‑on laboratory skills in a supportive learning environment. No prior laboratory experience is required. Training and ongoing skill development will be provided to help you build technical expertise and confidence in a variety of laboratory methods. Your work will include conducting laboratory experiments, maintaining organized laboratory operations, and ensuring accurate experimental documentation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in infectious diseases, environmental health, and research who enjoys careful, detail-oriented work and collaborating as part of a research team.

Minimum Requirements

• Basic science background normally acquired through a high school education.
• Ability and willingness to learn and perform laboratory procedures.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Commitment to following laboratory procedures and safety requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological or environmental sciences, engineering, public health, or a related field.
• Previous laboratory experience, particularly with mammalian or bacterial cell culture and/or molecular methods.
• Interest in infectious diseases, environmental persistence, pathogen transmission, or related research areas.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work safely in a laboratory environment and follow established laboratory protocols.
• Position requires regular on-site work in a research laboratory setting.

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

Be Bold.

Position Description

• Perform laboratory experiments including mammalian and bacterial cell culture, nucleic acid extractions, molecular analyses, and virus stock generation while following established protocols and laboratory safety requirements.
• Support laboratory operations by maintaining organized workspaces, monitoring inventory levels, stocking supplies, and coordinating laboratory supply orders.
• Maintain accurate experimental records in designated paper and electronic formats to ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with laboratory standards.
• Follow laboratory procedures and safety practices while contributing to the efficient daily operation of the research laboratory.
• Collaborate with research team members to support ongoing studies focused on the environmental persistence and transmission of infectious diseases.

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.

Choose Duke.

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Duke University is home to innovative research that addresses critical challenges in environmental health, public health, and sustainability. As part of Professor Rockey's research team, you'll contribute to studies that advance our understanding of how infectious diseases persist and spread in the environment, helping generate knowledge that can inform future prevention strategies.

Job Code: 00000399 LAB TECHNICIAN

Job Level: 06

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $24.10. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programsto eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regardto an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military 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 essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).