Research Technician 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. Duke Integrative Immunobiology Integrative Immunobiology is a basic science department that seeks to understand the function of the immune system and how information derived from patients can help frame the research questions we ask to best understand human diseases. This is reflected in our training mission with multiple interdisciplinary research projects for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to tackle. Also critical to our success as a department is fostering a culture where people of all backgrounds are respected and included as well as an ethos of service to society. Research Technician I – Position Overview Dr. Jose Conejo‑Garcia’s research program focuses on understanding and targeting the mechanisms governing the balance between immunosuppression and protective immunity in the tumor microenvironment, with an emphasis on the crosstalk between innate (gamma/delta) and adaptive (alpha/beta) T cells, and B lymphocytes, including in tertiary lymphoid structures. Discoveries for the Conejo‑Garcia lab are also being translated in active clinical trials using CAR T cells to treat ovarian cancer patients. The laboratory is seeking a motivated recent graduate for the position of research technician I. Occupational Summary The candidate will support a team of postdoctoral fellows and physician‑scientists working on understanding the immunobiology of cancer and developing novel anti‑cancer immunotherapies. Work Performed Maintain colonies of NSG mice. Perform in vivo experiments challenging mice with tumors and treating them with anti‑cancer immunotherapies; support common lab tasks such as ensuring proper sample processing and storage of tumor banks. Obtain, prepare, mount, and stain tissue, blood, and other substances for microscopic examinations; prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions. Assist in the development of new research procedures and techniques, in coordination with other team members. Maintain sufficient inventory of materials, liquid nitrogen tanks, supplies, and equipment; clean and maintain standard laboratory equipment. As the technician matures in the lab, a specific independent project will be assigned to be developed in parallel. Education/Training A bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, or another basic science is required. The ideal candidate will have an interest in gaining experience in biomedical research to eventually apply for a graduate program (PhD or medical school), with a commitment of at least two years. Experience None required but research experience during college would be preferred. Duties Performed Maintain colonies of NSG mice – 15% Handle live mice to perform treatments testing specific immunotherapies, delivered through different methods. Sacrifice mice and process organs and tissues for analyses – 20% Maintain frequently used cell culture models (e.g., cell lines and/or organoids) for experiments conducted by multiple postdoctoral fellows in the lab. Prepare standard lab solutions, media, and bacterial culture plates. Perform general maintenance and equipment calibrations – 20% Responsible for processing freshly resected tumors and autologous PBMCs from patients with cancer – 25% Maintain sufficient inventory of materials, liquid nitrogen tanks, supplies, and equipment for performance of duties; clean and maintain standard laboratory equipment – 20% Benefits & Compensation Anticipated pay range: USD $18.00 to $26.49 per hour. Compensation includes comprehensive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family‑friendly and cultural programs. Additional benefits include health insurance plans, paid time off, retirement contributions, tuition assistance for employees and their children, and more. For detailed information visit . 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