Lab Research Analyst I

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•$51,448 - $77,945•Onsite

About The Position

The Bryan Brain Bank at Duke University in the Department of Pathology is looking for a Lab Research Analyst I to join our team. The Brain Bank provides Duke researchers and academic and industry collaborators worldwide with access to longitudinal clinical information, quality biospecimens, and services to support and advance basic and clinical research. The Bryan Brain Bank is part of the Duke/UNC Alzheimers Disease Research Center (ADRC), a collaborative effort working to identify the biological factors involved in normal brain aging and disease with the help of a diverse group of young and older people with and without memory impairments. In this role, you will be part of the mission to share our resources and facilitate collaborations aimed at improving diagnosis and care for all people with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.

Requirements

Work requires a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other directly related scientific field.
Work requires two years of research experience.
A related master's degree may offset required years of experience on a 1:1 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

Nice To Haves

Meticulous attention to detail
Highly collaborative approach and ability to set and meet clear goals
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Excellent communication and documentation skills
Proficiency in laboratory techniques and equipment
Strict adherence to lab safety protocols
Good organization and time management
Ability to work effectively in a team while also being able to learn and adapt to new technologies.

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory procedures related to the receipt, processing, preservation, and storage of human postmortem brain tissue in accordance with established SOPs and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate and participate in brain transport from autopsy suites to the Brain Bank, ensuring chain-of-custody documentation, biosafety compliance, and proper temperature control.
Conduct brain cutting, dissection, freezing, fixation, and preservation procedures following standardized Brain Bank protocols.
Accurately document all processing activities, deviations, and quality observations in laboratory records and databases.
Prepare, label, and track biological specimens including frozen tissue, FFPE tissue, blocks, slides, and biofluids (e.g., CSF) using standardized labeling systems and inventory tools.
Ensure specimen identity, integrity, and traceability throughout processing, storage, and distribution workflows.
Maintain detailed documentation supporting sample provenance, processing history, and storage location.
Enter, update, and maintain accurate specimen and case data in electronic databases and tracking systems.
Perform routine data quality checks to identify and correct discrepancies or missing information.
Support data reconciliation between physical inventory and electronic records.
Process tissue requests from internal and external investigators in accordance with Brain Bank policies, IRB approvals, and Material Transfer Agreements.
Identify, isolate, and prepare requested samples based on approved criteria.
Package and ship biological specimens following institutional, federal, and international shipping regulations.
Document sample release, usage, and shipment details.
Assist with routine quality control checks related to tissue handling, storage conditions, labeling accuracy, and documentation.
Monitor freezer performance, temperature logs, and equipment status; escalate issues as needed.
Support maintenance of laboratory supplies, consumables, and equipment inventories.
Assist with training of staff, students, and trainees on Brain Bank SOPs, safety procedures, and documentation practices.
Provide day-to-day guidance to support consistent execution of standardized workflows.
Participate in laboratory safety, biosafety, and compliance activities, including required trainings and inspections.