Lab Research Analyst I

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. Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.
At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As a Laboratory Research Analyst I in the David Lab , you'll join a collaborative and interdisciplinary team advancing the future of genomics, nutrition, and public health through innovative DNA sequencing technologies.
The David Lab is developing groundbreaking methods to objectively measure dietary intake using DNA sequencing. Our research spans North Carolina and global communities, generating insights into nutrition, disease risk, and the social, cultural, and environmental factors that influence health. Supported by leading funders including Schmidt Sciences, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the National Institutes of Health, the Gerber Foundation, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, our work is transforming how diet is studied and understood.
As part of our team, you'll help connect laboratory science, field research, and computational analysis to create high-quality, reproducible datasets that drive impactful discoveries.

Be Bold.
The Laboratory Research Analyst I plays a critical role in supporting the research-data operations behind our DNA sequencing studies. This position combines bioinformatics, data management, quality assurance, and research support to ensure the integrity and usability of sequencing data across multiple projects.

What You'll Do:

Drive Bioinformatics and Sequence Data Processing

• Run, monitor, and enhance the lab's FoodSeq bioinformatics pipelines used to process DNA sequencing data.
• Analyze metabarcoding sequencing assays to identify dietary plant and animal species.
• Perform quality control reviews of sequencing runs and processed datasets.
• Investigate sources of technical variation and communicate findings to the research team.
• Develop and refine computational methods supporting genomic data workflows.

Manage Research Data and Metadata Systems

• Maintain accurate sample, sequencing-run, and cohort metadata across multiple studies.
• Ensure chain-of-custody, provenance, and data integrity from sample receipt through final analysis.
• Integrate sequencing data with laboratory tracking, storage, and project management systems.
• Organize and maintain data repositories that are accessible, secure, and well documented.
• Support data governance and backup processes across research initiatives.

Support Research Outcomes

• Deliver processed datasets, quality metrics, and research outputs that support publications, grants, and scientific investigations.
• Analyze research data and prepare reports summarizing progress, trends, and findings.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator on workflow design, data interpretation, and process improvements.

Champion Reproducibility and Operational Excellence

• Develop and maintain workflow documentation, standard operating procedures, and version-controlled code repositories.
• Promote reproducible research practices across sequencing and analytical workflows.
• Evaluate emerging scientific tools and technologies for potential application within lab operations.
• Support the integration of generative AI tools and AI-assisted workflows into research data operations.

Collaborate and Share Knowledge

• Partner with laboratory and field research teams to coordinate sample readiness and data transfers.
• Train students and junior team members on data management practices, computational workflows, and documentation standards.
• Foster a culture of quality, collaboration, and continuous learning.

What We're Looking For

Research & Laboratory Knowledge
You understand how molecular biology, genomics, or DNA sequencing workflows generate data and are interested in connecting laboratory science to computational analysis.

Technical Expertise
You have experience working with sequencing datasets, scientific computing, and data analysis tools. Experience with the following is highly desirable:

• Python, R, and/or Bash scripting
• High-throughput sequencing data analysis
• Bioinformatics workflows and pipeline development
• Git or other version-control systems
• Snakemake, Nextflow, DADA2, QIIME, or comparable tools
• Amplicon, metabarcoding, or metagenomic data analysis
• AI-assisted coding and workflow tools such as Claude Code, Codex, GitHub, Slack, or related technologies

Attention to Detail
You bring a disciplined, organized approach to managing data, documentation, and quality assurance processes.

Continuous Learning
You are curious, adaptable, and eager to learn new technologies, methods, and approaches.

Communication & Teamwork
You communicate effectively, document your work clearly, and thrive in collaborative research environments.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Botany, Zoology, Psychology, or another directly related scientific field.

Experience

• Two years of related research experience required.
• A related master's degree may substitute for required experience on a one-for-one basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-throughput sequencing data analysis.
• Experience with Python, R, and/or Bash scripting.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines and workflow automation tools.
• Experience using version-control platforms such as Git.
• Exposure to AI-assisted coding or research workflow tools.

Choose Duke.
At Duke University, you'll join a world-class research community committed to improving human health through innovation and discovery. The David Lab offers a dynamic environment where curiosity, collaboration, and scientific excellence come together to tackle important challenges in genomics, nutrition, and public health.
Here, your contributions will directly support research that advances our understanding of diet, disease prevention, and population health while helping shape the next generation of sequencing-based technologies.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $52,477.00 to USD $79,504.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at:

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an 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 (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military 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 reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: View email address on click.appcast.io; phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io).