Research Technician III, The Chakkalakal Lab

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.

Research analyst or technician position to investigate cellular and molecular basis of neuromuscular growth, regeneration, and aging.

General Purpose (see percentages below)

Under the direction of the principal investigator will be expected to assist with various projects in the lab through conducting fundamental gene and protein expression analysis, cell culture, tissue collection, immunochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and tissue morphometric analysis. Responsible setting up, conducting, and assisting in mouse surgeries and physiology experiments. Responsible for maintenance of laboratory equipment, training of lab personnel for fundamental skills needed to perform various projects, and cleanliness of the lab. In support of various projects expected to conduct data quantification and preparation of, graphs, charts, and figures for scientific publication. Expected to maintain database for raw data and organize/prepare data for analysis by the principal investigator. Assist with performing small and short-term basic experiments and completing individual parts of an overall large experiment/project. Responsible for the maintenance, management of associated paperwork, and ordering of sufficient inventory of material, supplies, and equipment for performance of duties and laboratory projects. Responsible for awareness and implementation of laboratory safety procedures along with the making of; stock solutions, culture media, chemicals, and reagents. Will assist with mouse colony management including breeding, genotyping, organization of multiple transgenic mouse colonies with appropriate software, and maintaining mice for experiments. Previous experience particularly with mice preferred. Previous experience with/or willingness to learn muscle physiology desired. Ability to work in a department and lab team and environment with a diverse group of personnel is essential.

Typical Assignments and Responsibilities (see percentages below)

In accordance with broadly-outlined objectives, requirements and approaches, will set-up and conduct technical procedures, non-routine and complex in nature. Sets up and operates state-of-the-art equipment or instruments. With latitude for modifying methods and techniques, will analyze data, prepare reports, present data at laboratory meetings, ensure appropriate documentation of work and experiments, and make recommendations. Directly report to the principal investigator through scheduled mandatory meetings. Will be responsible for ordering laboratory supplies and interacting with vendors. Will organize and manage mouse colonies. Will work with computers, scientific software, Excel, Word, etc.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

Specific Responsibilities:

40% Mouse surgeries, physiology, microscopy, gene expression, cell transplants, cell culture, and cell signaling analysis. Work in an independent manner with minimal supervision, to set-up and perform standard mouse experiments such as tissue injuries, injections, muscle physiology, cell engraftments, radiation treatments, muscle physiology, and gene expression analysis. Perform or assist with tissue sectioning, immunofluorescence, immunochemistry, cell culture, and other cell biological and physiological experiments.

30% Research Analysis, Presentation, Searches. Analyze and present findings to PI and in laboratory meetings. Develop graphs, charts, and figures for scientific publication.

20% 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% Maintenance of mouse colonies. Assist in the maintenance and breeding of wild-type and transgenic mice relevant to specific projects with appropriate software. Responsibilities include generation of ear punches and tail snips, maintaining breeding records with appropriate software and setting up weekly breeding schedules. Responsibilities include PCR analysis of genomic DNA obtained from ear punches and tail snips, as well as detailed record-keeping of mouse genotypes in laboratory database.

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 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 the use of eyes, hands, and fingers with skill 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, vivarium, etc.)

· Annual renewal of grant-funded positions is dependent on the viability of funding.

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

Minimum Qualifications
Education

Work generally requires skills acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other science related scientific field program.

Experience

Work requires two years of research experience. A related master's OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 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.

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.