Research Technician II

School of Medicine 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 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

The Yan Laboratory in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated and organized Research Technician II/III to support research projects using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model organism.

Our laboratory studies fundamental mechanisms of nervous system development, maintenance, aging, and regeneration. Current research focuses on areas including neuron–glia interactions, neuronal and glial development, axon and dendrite degeneration/regeneration, intracellular signaling, and related cellular and molecular mechanisms.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory members to perform experiments, maintain laboratory resources, and support ongoing research projects. This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, microscopy, and neurobiology.

• Maintain and propagate
  
  C. elegans strains.
• Perform genetic experiments and assist with generation and characterization of mutant and transgenic strains.
• Prepare reagents, media, buffers, and other materials needed for experiments.
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records and organize research data.
• Assist with routine laboratory organization, inventory, equipment maintenance, and ordering of supplies.
• Work collaboratively with postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, and other laboratory members.
• Assist with the development and optimization of experimental protocols.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and discussions of experimental results.
• Perform other research-related duties as needed to support laboratory projects.

Education/Training

Work generally requires a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other directly related scientific field.

None required above education/training requirement

• Ability to perform experiments carefully and maintain accurate records.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new experimental techniques
• Previous laboratory research experience
• Previous research experience with
  
  C. elegans is highly desirable but not required.
• Experience with genetics, molecular biology, PCR/genotyping, cloning, fluorescence microscopy, or image analysis is a plus.
• Experience working in an academic biomedical research laboratory is preferred.
• Candidates interested in neuroscience, developmental biology, cell biology, genetics, or aging…