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.

The Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University Medical Center is seeking a research technician with near-immediate availability. The position will be for one year to start with extensions contingent on availability of funding, performance, and needs of the lab.

This position will involve performing a variety of technical and research duties to support the laboratory of Dr. John Rawls (https://sites.duke.edu/rawlslab/ ) and the Duke University School of Medicine Zebrafish Core Facility (http://sites.duke.edu/zebrafishfacility/ ).

Description of research activities:

The successful candidate will have the demonstrated ability to perform, or be willing to learn, the following tasks in a research laboratory:

1. Technical duties conducted routinely in a vertebrate animal physiology laboratory such as molecular cloning, DNA and RNA extraction, genotyping, microscopy, imaging, microinjection, animal handling and manipulation. The candidate will be expected to document procedures and collect data in an organized, complete, and accurate fashion.

2. Laboratory maintenance duties including the preparation of culture media, chemicals, reagents and solutions, as well as assisting with maintaining equipment and lab reagent inventories.

3. Support duties include assisting faculty, postdocs, students, and staff in the development and execution of new research procedures and techniques. This would include providing support for zebrafish and mouse experiments.

The successful candidate will also have the demonstrated ability to perform, or be willing to learn, the following tasks in a zebrafish aquaculture facility:

1. Daily zebrafish care and maintenance duties include providing fish feedings, caring for Artemia cultures, checking fish health daily, transferring embryos and providing care to nursery racks.

2. Daily zebrafish facility maintenance duties include recording water parameters and reviewing for abnormal readings, changing system filters, cleaning, maintenance, and organization of tanks and aquaculture components, assisting facility management in resolving any problems in facility operation, supporting facility sanitation protocols, and assisting in writing and maintaining compliance with IACUC protocols. Occasional weekend hours may be required.

3. Communicate effectively with of zebrafish facility staff as well as facility users, including explaining and enforcing animal care guidelines and protocols.

Required qualifications:

Education/Training: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, aquaculture, zoology, biology, botany, or other related fields.

Experience: Previous laboratory experience is preferred but not required. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and individually is also preferred but not required. Individuals with zebrafish or other aquaculture experience will be given priority, and candidates with relevant experience in rodent or other animal models are also encouraged to apply.