LAB RESEARCH ANALYST II

This Position is Grant Funded

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.

Viral Sequencing, Denny Lab – Duke Human Vaccine Institute

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) continues to lead cutting edge vaccine research against infectious diseases that impact global health. Basic science discoveries made using a variety of human and pathogen-derived proteins, designed, expressed and purified by a collaborative DHVI team have contributed to the identification of vaccine and therapeutic candidates currently being produced in Good Manufacturing Practice facilities for early phase clinical trials.

The Viral sequencing group at the DHVI provides sequencing of the various viruses in the field using NGS, Sanger and other genomic technologies for to DHVI researchers at RTP campus.

The Viral sequencing group is looking for a Lab Research Analyst II who will be responsible for experimental design, execution and data analysis for studies in collaboration with various PIs.

Work closely with Director of Viral sequencing and the Principal Investigators (PIs) to carry out multiple tasks to further the research using multiple sequencing and molecular biology approaches for various projects. 

Perform the following (but not limited to) tasks in the DHVI Viral Sequencing group

• Manage day to day activities of the Viral sequencing group at DHVI’s RTP campus.
• Overseeing training in Viral sequencing lab, including scheduling training sessions with new members, record keeping, and overseeing daily activities for new members.
  • Train and supervise other Denny lab personnel as well as trainees to perform viral sequencing.
  • Assign and oversee work for summer trainees and other shared personnel.
• Perform and ensure high quality next-generation and single cell sequencing and troubleshoot sequencing problems and identify resolutions.
• Perform molecular biology assays such as PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA preparation.
• Take initiatives to conceive, design and carry-out hypothesis driven feasibility experiments, understanding both theoretical and practical aspects of the experimental design.
• Apply advanced and expert scientific knowledge to sequencing assay development and optimize newer technologies for viral sequencing. Compile, analyze, document, and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results.
• Project consultation and study designs and sequencing run performance/ troubleshooting
• Carry out multiple tasks to further the research using multiple sequencing and molecular biology approaches for various projects such as Virus quality Assurance (VQA) and External Quality Assurance Program Oversight Laboratory (EQAPOL).
• Lead wet-lab experimentation and subsequent data analysis/interpretation activities. Analyze and interpret collected data and prepare reports.
• Performs antibody repertoire and gene expression studies by specialized NGS sequence library construction and data analysis.
• Validation of new instrument, including preparing study plans for the validation, completing validation testing, and overseeing other lab members performing validation testing.
• Confer with the PI/manager to review work assignments and develop plans for research experiments.
• Understand and comply with all safety standards and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all laboratory staff. Perform routine lab maintenance, cleaning, organizing, and restocking supplies. Keep lab equipment, chemicals reagents and supplies in excellent order.
• Review journals, abstracts and scientific literature to keep abreast of new developments and to obtain information regarding previous experiments to aid in the design and development of original procedures and techniques.
• Validation of new instruments, including preparing study plans for the validation, completing validation testing, and overseeing other lab members performing validation testing

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT THIS LEVEL

• Education/Training: Work requires a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other directly related scientific field.
• Experience: Work requires four years of research experience. A related master's 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. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.

• A Ph.D. in biological sciences with preferred background in molecular biology, virology and/or immunology. 
• Expertise in sequencing platforms and technologies is preferred.
• Experience with single cell genomics is desired.
• Must be team oriented and able to work in a highly collaborative and interactive work environment to complete complex tasks.
• Must be able to manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities and have ability to quickly learn new skills.
• Must be detail-oriented, well organized and have excellent oral and written communication skills.

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.