RESEARCH TECHNICIAN II

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.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

50% Retrieval, processing, cataloging, and analyzing human muscle biopsy samples. Work in an independent manner to retrieve control and torn rotator cuff muscle biopsies from the OR, maintain records with appropriate software, and analyze tissue samples. Specific responsibilities will include tissue digestions, cell isolation, cell culture, FACS/flow cytometry, muscle biopsy tissue fixation, processing, and embedding for frozen/paraffin tissue sectioning, IHC, IF, and real-time qPCR and protein analysis (Western) from isolated tissues and/or cells.

30% Mouse rotator cuff surgeries, processing, cataloging, and analysis of murine muscle tissue. Work in an independent manner to set-up and perform murine rotator cuff injuries and subsequent analysis. Specific responsibilities will include tissue digestions, cell isolation, cell culture, FACS/flow cytometry, muscle biopsy tissue fixation, processing, and embedding for frozen/paraffin tissue sectioning, IHC, IF, and real-time qPCR and protein analysis (Western) from isolated tissues and/or cells.

10% General laboratory maintenance. Order supplies and work closely with departmental administrative office staff on purchasing and account issues. Prepare common reagents, train other laboratory workers, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in fundamental laboratory techniques and equipment use. Provide support and technical assistance on experimental problems that may arise during the course of their experiments. Maintain functionality of lab equipment, as well as the overall organization of the lab, and comply with all institutional laboratory safety procedures. Maintain careful laboratory notebooks, organize raw data, analyze data, and assist with the implementation of new protocols.  

10% Research Analysis, Presentation, Searches.  Analyze and present findings to PI and in laboratory meetings. Develop graphs, charts, and figures for scientific publication.

Non-essential tasks: Not Applicable

Position Requirements

• Associate's degree in appropriate discipline plus 2-3 years specialized experience in related field; B.A. or B.S. degree in Biology, or other appropriate discipline strongly preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Willingness and ability to work with mice and human tissue samples is required.
• Strong computer skills, including experience with scientific software, Excel, Word, etc.
• Ability to work in a lab team environment with a diverse group of personnel is essential. 
• Ability to work with minimal supervision once trained and to listen to, convey, and exchange information with other laboratory personnel.
• Requires skills and the ability to perform mathematical calculations using algebra and practically apply percentages, fractions, and ratios. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal; follow instructions; and record information accurately.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and strong attention to detail.
• This position may entail prolonged periods of standing and walking and requires the safe use of toxic chemicals. 
• License/Certification Required: Institutional certification for laboratory personnel (e.g., laboratory safety training, CITI training for human subject protections, etc.)

CONTACTS: Daily interactions with Principal Investigators as well as other administrative and laboratory staff.

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

Duke is an Affirmative 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 essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.