ASSOCIATE IN RESEARCH

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Be Bold. Occupational Summary Perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting translational research experiments involving clinical and preclinical samples. Compile, analyze, and document experimental results and draw tentative conclusions for review with the principal investigator. Confer with the PI to review work assignments, develop experimental plans, and make adjustments to laboratory procedures or techniques as needed. Review laboratory manuals, scientific literature, and technical resources for methods applicable to research goals.

Requirements

Work requires skills acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree in biology, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related scientific field.
Work requires two years of research experience. A related master's degree may offset required years of experience on a 1-to-1 basis (e.g., a two-year master’s degree in lieu of two years of experience). OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
Proficiency in basic and advanced laboratory techniques, including specimen handling, sterile technique, and molecular assays.
Strong organizational, documentation, and multitasking abilities.
Excellent attention to detail and data integrity.
Effective communication and teamwork across multidisciplinary environments.
Proficiency in inventory and ordering systems, Microsoft Excel, and basic data management tools.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the collection, processing, storage, and documentation of biospecimens (blood, CSF, tumor tissue) for brain-tumor clinical and translational research projects.
Maintain accurate specimen inventories and tracking systems to ensure compliance with IRB, GCP, and institutional standards.
Support development and implementation of study-specific SOPs, data-capture tools, and laboratory documentation workflows.
Perform single-cell library preparation for RNA and T-cell receptor sequencing under supervision.
Generate and maintain patient derived cell lines, including routine culture of patient-derived and preclinical glioma cell lines, media preparation, and equipment sterilization.
Assist with enzymatic and mechanical dissociation of tumor specimens, immunostaining, and preparation of samples for downstream molecular assays.
Coordinate lab ordering and procurement, maintain inventory of consumables, and manage vendor relationships to ensure continuous lab operations.
Support project planning, documentation, and communication between laboratory, clinical, and data-analysis teams.
Prepare technical summaries, quality-control records, and reports for review by the principal investigator.
Determine and set up instruments, materials, and apparatus; operate laboratory equipment required for specific tests.
Prepare culture media, reagents, and solutions; mount and stain tissue or cell preparations for microscopic analysis.
Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and safety documentation; monitor supply levels and initiate reorders.
Calibrate and maintain shared laboratory instruments and document all maintenance activities in accordance with biosafety standards.
Develop charts, graphs, and figures for scientific reports and publications.
Review and verify the work of lower-level laboratory personnel in designated areas.
Serve as liaison among the laboratory, clinical research staff, and institutional core facilities.
Communicate study updates, troubleshoot workflow challenges, and ensure accurate data hand-offs between research units.
Contribute to training and mentoring of junior staff, students, and visiting scholars in standard laboratory practices and compliance procedures.