Lab Research Analyst

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•$52,477 - $79,504•Onsite

About The Position

The Collective for Psychiatric Neuroengineering (CPNE) at Duke University is seeking to hire a Lab Analyst I to work on C. Elegans and molecular biology projects in the Dzirasa Laboratory. This HHMI, NIH, and foundation-funded lab fosters a collaborative environment where scientists with diverse backgrounds work together to solve problems. The position will focus on developing molecular biology and C. Elegans behavioral assays, integrating with the molecular team to inject 'Long-term integration of Circuits using connexins' (LinCx) extrachromosomal arrays into specific C. Elegans neuronal pairs. The ultimate goal is to advance circuit-editing technologies to address psychiatric disorders. The candidate should be enthusiastic, willing to undertake multiple projects, possess emotional and intellectual intelligence, and value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The ideal candidate is inclusive, thoughtful, driven, reliable, brave, and solutions-oriented.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other directly related scientific field.
Two years of research experience. A related master's degree may offset required years of experience on a 1:1 basis.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Team-oriented and able to work effectively in a collaborative work environment.
Must be able to manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities and have the ability to learn and apply new skills and concepts.
Detail-oriented and exquisite organizational skills.
Experience with diverse groups.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or equivalent work experience in neuroscience, biology, or biomedical engineering or other related field.
Strong acumen in statistics and experimental design.
A minimum of 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience.
A minimum of 1 year of mentoring or TA experience in biological contexts (classrooms or laboratories).
Energetic, strong work ethic, and a growth mindset.
Passion for research that improves mental health.
Able and willing to work full-time, in person.

Responsibilities

Execute complex scientific projects within the Collective for Psychiatric Neuroengineering laboratory under the guidance of Drs. Julia Derk and Kafui Dzirasa.
Perform C. Elegans animal husbandry to maintain lines with proper sterility to ensure high-quality care for the research organisms.
Generate novel C. Elegans strains by injecting extrachromosomal arrays into the gonad to target specific neurons with novel proteins.
Execute cloning techniques to augment plasmids to generate novel extrachromosomal arrays.
Conduct published behavioral paradigms, including but not limited to chemosensation attraction and avoidance behavior.
Analyze behavior by Wormlab or other machine learning paradigms.
Innovate to develop novel paradigms to dissect neural circuits of C. elegans through behavioral assays.
Accurately document all procedures, data, and results.
Attend and lead CPNE and NCCU Marshall Lab Meetings to discuss the advancement of the project, insights into new directions, and intellectual contributions.
Read scientific literature to guide current and future projects for conception to technical approaches.
Keep an up-to-date lab notebook in Benchling and support undergraduate researchers in the laboratory in their documentation work.
Log critical maintenance information such as daily lab temperature, storage and record keeping of all reagents, plasmids, worm lines, and stay up to date with documentation related to all compliance (EH&S, cybersecurity, fire safety, etc.).
Safely and responsibly receive and provide maintenance and upkeep for all reagents and equipment within the laboratory space.
Interface effectively as a liaison between NCCU collaborators and CPNE at Duke.
Assist with training research technicians and students on CPNE C. elegans projects, safety procedures, and documentation.
Provide day-to-day guidance to support consistent execution of workflows.
Mentor and educate trainees within the laboratory space.