Research Technician (Summer Position)

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.

Occupational Summary:

Perform as a full-time research technician in support of a laboratory and field based agricultural project. Work includes growing and harvesting marine microalgae and associated measurements both outdoors and in indoor environments.

Work Performed:

Growing of algae using sterile technique and associated measurements and may include dry weight, ash content, chlorophyll, lipids, protein, nutrients, or other chemical analyses.

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 including large scale (up to 5000L) reactors.

Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents and solutions. Assist in the development of new research procedures and techniques.

Maintain sufficient inventory of materials, supplies and equipment for performance of duties; clean and maintain standard laboratory equipment. Review work of lower level laboratory personnel and assist in the training of new personnel.

Other responsibilities may include general lab upkeep, dishwashing or other cleaning/maintenance associated with normal laboratory or field operations, sample preparation or other tasks as assigned.

Attention to detail and standard operating procedures/protocols and compliance with safety requirements are essential.

Prepare and deliver updates on harvesting data and performance at weekly staff meetings

Candidate must be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings or early mornings as project requires.

Thrive as a team member in a complex environment composed of researchers, students (undergraduate and graduate), staff and other visiting members. Assist others in their project roles, and to direct others in helping achieve goals associated with this position.

Attend classes, meetings and training sessions offered by Duke that will enhance the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful and perform as expected for the position.

Perform other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills both in person and by phone or video connection, with high professionalism
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and walk to various buildings on campus
• Work effectively as part of a team to achieve established outcomes
• Outstanding customer service
• Familiarity with basic laboratory procedures and ability follow established protocols
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) proficiency
• Ability to troubleshoot problems
• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and work assignments
• Ability to accomplish projects with little supervision

We value diversity of backgrounds and experience, so if you aren’t an expert in all of the techniques we use, but have the desire and ability to successfully learn them, your application is welcome! Our lab is a training environment; we are primarily interested in recruiting people who love science and are willing to put in the work to achieve their goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

No specific requirement, but course work in botany, biology, zoology, engineering, wastewater operations or other directly related scientific fields preferred.

Experience

None required.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/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, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

N/A

Experience

N/A

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

N/A

Duke is an Affirmative Action/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, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.