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.

General Summary:

A full-time research technician position is available at the Sipkins Lab in the Dept. of Medicine at Duke University. The lab seeks to define the molecular characteristics of tissue microenvironments that foster the survival and regeneration of both normal and cancerous stem cells. In combination with molecular and cell biological approaches, the lab utilizes state-of-the-art in vivo multiphoton and confocal optical imaging techniques to explore these questions. This position is ideal for students taking a gap year(s) and applying to medical or graduate school.

Essential Functions:

(1) Assist in general laboratory maintenance and administration. This includes but is not limited to ordering, inventory, writing of standard operating procedures and supporting other lab personnel.

Estimated effort: 25%

(2) Mammalian tissue culture (care of cell lines, primary cells, freezing cells, transfection, clonal isolation), histology, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, microscopy (fluorescence, confocal), mouse work (general care, breeding, minor surgical procedures, dissection), and molecular biology procedures (RNA/DNA isolation, RT-PCR, subcloning).

Estimated effort: 60%

(3) Maintain accurate, up-to-date and well-documented records of procedures performed (lab notebook, instrument logs, etc) and method development.

Estimated effort: 15%

Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and training in which comparable skills have been acquired. Must have a general understanding of Molecular and Cell Biology concepts. Must have demonstrated basic laboratory research skills, including skills in making solutions and reagents. Strong familiarity with Word, Excel and PowerPoint desired. Must be open to working with mice. Excellent communication and organizational skills are pluses.

Preferences: Attention to detail, strong oral and written communication skills, and ability to perform multiple tasks. Must have good working knowledge of basic chemistry and ability to perform basic calculations as needed to prepare solutions and report data.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.65 to USD $29.43. 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).