Research Technician II, Nicholas School, Duke Wetland and Coastal Center

Duke University

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools.

With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Research Technician II, you'll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team advancing innovative environmental research in wetland and coastal ecosystems. Your curiosity and dedication help fuel research that matters.

The Research Technician II will contribute to hands‑on fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and data‑focused research supporting carbon cycling studies in coastal peatlands of the southeastern United States. You'll also support water‑quality and greenhouse‑gas monitoring at SWAMP – Duke's restored wetland and stream complex – helping drive insights that inform restoration, conservation, and climate‑related decision‑making.

• 20% – Conduct fieldwork in coastal peatlands, including greenhouse gas (GHG) flux measurements, soil, water, and vegetation sampling.
• 20% – Deploy and maintain hydrologic and biogeochemical sensors, supporting long‑term monitoring networks.
• 20% – Perform laboratory analyses, including soil chemistry, water‑quality measurement, and sample processing.
• 20% – Assist with data management, QA/QC, and analysis, including hydrologic, biogeochemical, and GHG datasets.
• 10% – Support routine monitoring at SWAMP, including water‑quality sampling, sensor maintenance, and GHG emission measurements.
• 10% – Maintain field equipment, laboratory organization, and research infrastructure.
• Work collaboratively with graduate students, technicians, and research staff as part of a dynamic research community.

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, earth sciences, or a related field.
• Experience with fieldwork, environmental sampling, or ecological monitoring.
• Ability to work outdoors in strenuous conditions – including heat, humidity, uneven terrain, and wetland environments.
• Willingness to travel for overnight field campaigns.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Master's degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, earth sciences, or a related field.
• Experience with GHG flux measurements, soil chambers, hydrologic sensors, or wetland monitoring.
• Familiarity with peatland ecosystems.
• Familiarity with the ecology of beaver dams and water impoundments.
• Basic data‑analysis skills (R, Excel, or similar).
• Experience with environmental sensors, automated loggers, or QA/QC workflows.

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $19.06 to USD $28.85. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family‑friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

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…