Research Tech II, Department of Ophthalmology

Duke Clinical Research Institute; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Duke Clinical Research Institute is seeking a Research Technician II for part-time, term-limited work through December 31, 2026. The role focuses on maintaining mouse and fish colonies, supporting phenotypic characterization, and performing diverse lab procedures under supervision.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in a related science and hands-on experience with mice and fish, with strong organizational and analytical skills to support biomedical research in a collaborative

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field related to botany, biology, zoology, psychology, or equivalent.
• Experience working with laboratory mice and fish is required.
• Two years of relevant laboratory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Independently maintain and manage mouse and fish colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and colony tracking.
• Support researchers in phenotypic characterization of animal models.
• Perform a variety of laboratory procedures, including DNA cloning, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, tissue processing for EM, enzymatic activity assays, and mass spectrometry sample prep.
• Troubleshoot experimental and technical challenges with minimal supervision.
• Assist with experimental design, protocol optimization, and interpretation of research findings.
• Analyze and document research data with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Maintain laboratory standards, equipment, and records per guidelines.
• Collaborate with principal investigators and staff to achieve project goals.

Skills

Mouse handling

Fish handling

Lab techniques

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in related science

Job description

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.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As a Research Technician II, you'll play an important role in advancing innovative biomedical research while working alongside scientists in a highly collaborative and discovery-driven environment. Your technical expertise, curiosity, and attention to detail will help support groundbreaking studies that improve our understanding of health and disease.

This is a part-time, term-limited position that is scheduled to end on December 31, 2026. Please note that this position is not benefits eligible.

Be Bold.

Join a dynamic research team where your contributions directly support complex scientific investigations involving animal models and advanced laboratory techniques. You'll have the opportunity to work independently, solve technical challenges, and contribute meaningfully to experimental design and data analysis.

What You'll Do:

• Independently maintain and manage mouse and fish colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and colony tracking.
• Support researchers in the phenotypic characterization of animal models.
• Perform a variety of laboratory procedures in support of ongoing research projects, including:
  • DNA cloning
  • Western blotting
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Tissue processing for electron microscopy
  • Enzymatic activity assays
  • Sample preparation for mass spectrometry
• Troubleshoot experimental and technical challenges with minimal supervision.
• Assist with experimental design, protocol optimization, and interpretation of research findings.
• Analyze and document research data with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Maintain laboratory standards, equipment, and records in accordance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.
• Collaborate effectively with principal investigators, scientists, trainees, and research staff to achieve project goals.

What We're Looking For:

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

• Experience working with laboratory mice and fish is required.
• Strong technical laboratory skills and the ability to work independently in a research environment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and experience troubleshooting research protocols.
• Knowledge of molecular biology, animal model research, or related laboratory methodologies.
• At least two years of relevant laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• A commitment to scientific rigor, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll find more than a job-you'll find a community committed to collaboration, innovation, and excellence. You'll work alongside world-class researchers, contribute to meaningful scientific discoveries, and help advance research that has a lasting impact on patients and communities around the world.

Whether you're expanding your laboratory expertise or seeking an opportunity to contribute to innovative research, Duke provides an environment where your work matters and your contributions are valued.

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.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.65 to USD $29.43. 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 programs to 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 regard to 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.

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]).