Research Technician I

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University School of Medicine seeks a lab technician to support the cardiovascular neuroscience lab led by Dr. Ching Zhu. The role requires a minimum two-year commitment and a Bachelor's degree in a related scientific field. You will contribute to tissue processing, histology, and physiological assays in a collaborative environment.

Ideal candidates have bench experience and strong communication skills; the lab emphasizes safety, accuracy, and teamwork within the Duke Health ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Some background in bench experimentation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with molecular biology and physiology experiments.
• Obtain, prepare, mount and stain tissue.
• Prepare chemicals, reagents and solutions; maintain lab safety and compliance.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in cell biology, neuroscience, bioengineering or related field

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.

Occupational Summary

Perform a variety of technical duties to support the laboratory of Dr. Ching Zhu, a physician-scientist in the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center. The lab utilizes cutting-edge neuroscience techniques in studying the nervous system of the heart and how it controls susceptibility to lethal heart rhythm disorders.

Work Performed

A two-year minimum commitment, as well as interest in working with mouse models, are required.

Provide experimental support in the following core techniques of the lab:

• Histology
• Advanced microscopy
• Tissue culture
• qPCR, RNAseq, scRNAseq
• Langendorff cardiac physiology and electrophysiology
• Optical mapping of cardiac electrical function

Specific Duties Include:

• Assist with molecular biology and physiology experiments
• Obtain, prepare, mount and stain tissue
• Prepare chemicals, reagents and solutions
• Assist in maintaining laboratory compliance with health and safety regulations

Education/Training:

Required Qualifications at this Level

Bachelor's degree in cell biology, neuroscience, bioengineering or other related scientific field.

Experience:

Some background in bench experimentation preferred

Skills:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level 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 Affimative 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.

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 provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring depa

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $27.02. 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.

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]).