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 2,600 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.

Dr. Brad Goldstein’s Olfactory Neuroscience Lab in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Department of Neurobiology at Duke University is seeking a Research Associate, to help provide general assistance and contribute to basic and clinical research in the lab. 

This is a full time position, eligible for all Duke benefits (https://hr.duke.edu/benefits ) with an initial appointment term of one year with the possibility of renewal, dependent on performance and funding. 

The Goldstein Lab focuses on the study of neurogenesis and tissue renewal in the olfactory mucosa, in an effort to develop strategies to prevent or treat disorders that cause olfactory damage or loss.  We use mouse models, cell culture approaches and human nasal tissue specimens. The lab utilizes multiple approaches to identify mechanisms regulating adult basal stem and progenitor cells in the olfactory epithelium, as well as olfactory tissue maintenance and renewal. We hold specific expertise in single cell RNA sequencing, and have pioneered biopsy-based approaches for scSeq of human olfactory tissue. Our overall goal is to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms causing acquired human olfactory disorders. Recently, we have undertaken projects focused on olfactory loss due to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease, in collaboration with the Duke ADRC. Another collaborative project is focused on understanding olfactory neuroblastoma, a rare malignant tumor arising from the olfactory region.

More information about the research program can be seen here: https://www.neuro.duke.edu/research/faculty-labs/goldstein-lab

Specific duties: This is a unique hybrid position, combining basic lab research assistant technical responsibilities with a small amount of effort providing assistance with clinical research tasks. Responsibilities include performing a variety of experimental techniques, and collecting data, and interaction with graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. Some assistance with lab supply ordering and other routine duties is expected. Because our lab is involved with human subjects, specifically to obtain tissue samples, an ability to perform some basic duties associated with clinical research is desired. This work, under the overall supervision of our Department of Head and Neck Surgery Clinical Research Unit, may include patient correspondence, scheduling assistance for research visits, documentation, and specimen processing.

Motivation, commitment, and superb organizational skills are a must. The position requires a Bachelor's degree and basic computer skills (proficient Excel skills are helpful, and basic knowledge of R or Python is a plus). Basic bench work proficiency is needed. The position is to start in late May 2024 (start date negotiable), and a two-year commitment is preferred. This position includes the opportunity to pursue a variety of research opportunities that can result in authorship on academic publications. Salary is competitive and based on education and experience. 

Please include with your application: most recent CV/Resume and the names and contact information for at least 2 references. 

Interested individuals should apply through Academic Jobs Online. Only applicants that have applied through Academic Jobs Online will be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Questions may be directed to Brad Goldstein at [email protected].

Work generally requires a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other directly related scientific field.

None required above education/training requirement. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Job Code: 00000951 RESEARCH TECHNICIAN II
Job Level: 08

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 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 department.