Research Technician

Duke Integrative Immunobiology:
Excellence in Research, Education, and Science Culture

Integrative Immunobiology is a basic science department that seeks to understand the function of the immune system and how information derived from patients can help frame the research questions we ask to best understand human diseases. This is reflected in our training mission with multiple interdisciplinary research projects for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to tackle. Also critical to our success as a department is fostering a culture where people of all backgrounds are respected and included as well as an ethos of service to society.

Dr. Jose Conejo-Garcia’s research program focuses on understanding and targeting the mechanisms governing the balance between immunosuppression and protective immunity in the tumor microenvironment, with an emphasis on the crosstalk between innate (gamma/delta) and adaptive (alpha/beta) T cells, and B lymphocytes, including in Tertiary Lymphoid Structures. Discoveries for the Conejo-Garcia lab are also being translated in active clinical trials using CAR T cells to treat ovarian cancer patients.

The candidate will work on supporting a team of postdoctoral fellows and physician-scientists working on understanding the immunobiology of cancer and developing novel anti‑cancer immunotherapies.

The candidate selected will perform a variety of technical duties involved in maintaining colonies of NSG mice, perform in vivo experiments challenging mice with tumors and treating them with anti‑cancer immunotherapies, and supporting common tasks in the lab (e.g., ensuring proper sample processing and storage of tumor banks).

The research technician will also obtain, prepare, mount and stain tissue, blood and other substances for microscopic examinations; prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents and solutions; and assist in the development of new research procedures and techniques, in coordination with other team members.

Finally, the technician will maintain sufficient inventory of materials, liquid nitrogen tanks, supplies and equipment for performance of duties; clean and maintain standard laboratory equipment.

As the technician matures in the lab, a specific independent project will be assigned to be developed in parallel.

A bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, or other basic science, is required.

The ideal candidate will be someone with an interest in gaining experience in biomedical research to eventually apply for a graduate program (PhD or medical school), with a commitment of at least two years.

None required but research experience during college would be preferred.

• Maintain colonies of NSG mice – 15%
• Handle live mice to perform treatments testing specific immunotherapies, delivered through different methods. Sacrificing mice and processing of organs and tissues for analyses – 20%
• Maintenance of frequently used cell culture models (e.g., cell lines and/or organoids) for experiments conducted by multiple postdoctoral fellows in the lab. Prepares standard lab solutions, media, and bacterial culture plates. Performs general maintenance and equipment calibrations – 20%
• Responsible for processing freshly resected tumors and autologous PBMCs from patients with cancer – 25%
• Maintain sufficient inventory of materials, liquid nitrogen tanks, supplies and equipment for performance of duties; clean and maintain standard laboratory equipment – 20%

Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from Duke's Benefits package, including health insurance plans, generous paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, tuition assistance for employees and their children, and more.

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to $26.49.

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.

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: DAAS; phone: ).