Research Technician

Salary Range: $44,200.00 To $59,800.00 Annually

Organization: The Institute for Medical Research (IMR), an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS)

Location: Durham, NC (On-site – VA Medical Center)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Anticipated

Start Date:

October 2026 or 6-8 weeks after offer, contingent on VA approval

The Institute for Medical Research, an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is looking for a Research Technician II to support select clinical research studies conducted by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Christopher Woods, and his associates in his infectious diseases clinical research group. The incumbent will support several studies including clinical trials, prospective observational research, retrospective descriptive research, and biorepositories.

The areas of focus of this position are (a) implementation of clinical research studies, (b) collection and processing of biospecimens, (c) performing laboratory experiments in accordance with SOPs, (d) collection and analysis of experimental data. This incumbent’s first-level manager is the Laboratory Director; the second-level manager is the Principal Investigator, Dr. Christopher Woods. The incumbent will have the opportunity to work with research personnel, MDs, PhDs, and other clinical staff at the DVAMC and other VHA stations.

• Implement study procedures for each study, per study protocols
• Demonstrate good judgement and problem solving to troubleshoot and modify protocol implementation when necessary
• Coordinate with research team members as part of sponsored or multi-PI studies

• Lead procurement, processing, and shipping of biospecimens, as directed by the primary Clinical Research Coordinator and Laboratory Director for specific research projects
• Assist with the organization of all tissue specimens, including blood, swabs, and in some scenarios, urine and stool
• Assist with shipping and receipt of specimens to and from external facilities

• Perform a variety of technical duties involved in conducting physical, chemical, or biological tests, experiments, and determinations to obtain data in support of research oriented activities; compile and document procedures and results
• Set up instruments, material and apparatus, and operate standard laboratory equipment required for specific tests
• Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions
• Assist in developing and optimizing research procedures and techniques with the MERL Laboratory Director
• Maintain sufficient inventory of materials, supplies, and equipment for performance of duties, including ordering of supplies as necessary
• Clean and maintain standard laboratory equipment and facilities

• Assist with the maintenance of the study binder and electronic data capture systems under the direction of the primary Clinical Research Coordinator for specific research projects
• Maintain digital and/or paper study records for research participants including but not limited to case report forms, and sample acquisition forms
• Screen study binders and participant study records for completeness and compliance with protocol and appropriate regulations; investigate incomplete, inaccurate or missing documents to ensure accuracy and completeness of data collected and follow-up with subjects as needed

• Work with research team members to ensure overall study objectives are met for all clinical research
• Follow SOPs for various tasks and provide input on day-to-day operations
• Participate in study meetings, conference calls, and leadership discussions
• Support current and future collaborations with clinical departments and VHA research partners nationwide

Work requires a bachelor's degree in biology, immunology, microbiology or other directly related scientific field.

None required. 1-2 years full-time microbiology or molecular biology lab experience is preferred.

None required above education requirement.

As a condition of employment with the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), employees must reside within the State of North Carolina and maintain a reasonable commuting distance to their assigned work location throughout the duration of their employment. By accepting this offer, you acknowledge and agree to this requirement. Failure to maintain North Carolina residency at any time during employment may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of employment.