Research Technician I

Job Description

Job Description

Research Technician (RT)

Organization:
The Institute for Medical Research (IMR), an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS)

Location:
Durham, NC (On-site – VA Medical Center)

Employment Type:
Full-Time

Salary Range:

$44,200 - $59,800

Anticipated Start Date:

October 2026 or 6-8 weeks after offer, contingent on VA approval

Position Summary

The Institute for Medical Research, an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is looking for a Research Technician II to support select clinical research studies conducted by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Christopher Woods, and his associates in his infectious diseases clinical research group.

The incumbent will support several studies including clinical trials, prospective observational research, retrospective descriptive research, and biorepositories. The areas of focus of this position are (a) implementation of clinical research studies, (b) collection and processing of biospecimens, (c) performing laboratory experiments in accordance with SOPs, (d) collection and analysis of experimental data.

This incumbent’s first-level manager is the Laboratory Director; the second-level manager is the Principal Investigator, Dr. Christopher Woods. The incumbent will have the opportunity to work with research personnel, MDs, PhDs, and other clinical staff at the DVAMC and other VHA stations.

Location: This is an in-person role with 4-5 days a week in-office. Candidate is required to work from our Durham, NC Veterans Affairs location.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Critical Element 1: Assist with select clinical research projects

• Implement study procedures for each study, per study protocols
• Demonstrate good judgement and problem solving to troubleshoot and modify protocol implementation when necessary
• Coordinate with research team members as part of sponsored or multi-PI studies

Critical Element 2: Organize, collect, process, and maintain human tissue samples

• Lead procurement, processing, and shipping of biospecimens, as directed by the primary Clinical Research Coordinator and Laboratory Director for specific research projects
• Assist with the organization of all tissue specimens, including blood, swabs, and in some scenarios, urine and stool
• Assist with shipping and receipt of specimens to and from external facilities

Critical Element 3: Perform analytic techniques according to laboratory SOPs

• Perform a variety of technical duties involved in conducting physical, chemical, or biological tests, experiments, and determinations to obtain data in support of research oriented activities; compile and document procedures and results
• Set up instruments, material and apparatus, and operate standard laboratory equipment required for specific tests
• Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions
• Assist in developing and optimizing research procedures and techniques with the MERL Laboratory Director
• Maintain sufficient inventory of materials, supplies, and equipment for performance of duties, including ordering of supplies as necessary
• Clean and maintain standard laboratory equipment and facilities

Critical Element 4: Collect, organize, and maintain data for clinical research projects

• Assist with the maintenance of the study binder and electronic data capture systems under the direction of the primary Clinical Research Coordinator for specific research projects
• Maintain digital and/or paper study records for research participants including but not limited to case report forms, and sample acquisition forms
• Screen study binders and participant study records for completeness and compliance with protocol and appropriate regulations; investigate incomplete, inaccurate or missing documents to ensure accuracy and completeness of data collected and follow-up with subjects as needed

Critical Element 5: Collaboration & Team Engagement

• Work with research team members to ensure overall study objectives are met for all clinical research
• Follow SOPs for various tasks and provide input on day-to-day operations
• Participate in study meetings, conference calls, and leadership discussions
• Support current and future collaborations with clinical departments and VHA research partners nationwide

Minimum Qualifications:

Education
Work requires a bachelor's degree in biology, immunology, microbiology or other directly related scientific field.

Experience
None required. 1-2 years full-time microbiology or molecular biology lab experience is preferred.

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications
None required above education requirement.

Residency Requirements:

As a condition of employment with the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), employees must reside within the State of North Carolina and maintain a reasonable commuting distance to their assigned work location throughout the duration of their employment. By accepting this offer, you acknowledge and agree to this requirement. Failure to maintain North Carolina residency at any time during employment may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of employment.

By accepting this offer, you acknowledge that your employment with IMR is at will. This means that neither you nor IMR have entered a contract regarding the terms or duration of employment. You may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice. Likewise, IMR reserves the right to reassign duties, modify compensation, or terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Notice regarding onboarding:

Incumbents will onboard as an employee of Institute for Medical Research (IMR) and as an affiliate of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Incumbents must successfully complete onboarding with both entities. Specific start dates will be determined by VHA onboarding.