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.

Research Technician Position in Parkinson's Disease Circuit Research. The Tadross Lab is seeking a dedicated full-time research technician for an exciting, multidisciplinary project investigating the circuit basis of Parkinson's disease in a preclinical mouse model. Our work spans neuroscience and engineering, focusing on cutting-edge technologies like DART (Drug Acutely Restricted by Tethering; Shields et al., 2024 Nature Methods, 2017 Science) and DANNCE (3D deep-learning kinematic analysis platform; Dunn et al., 2021 Nature Methods), developed to understand motor disorders and neural connectivity with unprecedented precision. This role offers recent graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and authorship in preparation for graduate or medical school.

Responsibilities:

* Animal Care and Behavioral Testing: Perform animal handling, husbandry, and behavioral testing; conduct animal procedures including transcardial perfusions and tissue preparation for histology, with opportunities to learn more advanced experimental techniques.

* Data Analysis and Project Participation: Record and analyze data, interpret experimental outcomes, and present findings at lab meetings.

* Collaborative Research: Work closely with the Principal Investigator and team members, with the opportunity to take on an independent project within our ongoing studies.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

* Previous research experience with animals, a strong interest in neuroscience, and the ability to code in Matlab and/or Python.

* Excellent attention to detail, adaptability, and capacity for independent work.

* A minimum 2-year commitment is highly desirable for continuity and development.

Skills and Abilities:

* Strong organizational and communication skills, with an ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing project needs.

* Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving, time management, and multitasking.

* Flexibility to work after hours, weekends, and holidays as required.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact research and gain diverse technical training in a supportive lab environment. The position is ideal for recent graduates planning to apply to graduate or medical school who want experience in a pioneering lab setting. Interested candidates should send a cover letter describing their research interests and how they align with our lab, a CV (with GPA), and contact information for three references.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training: A bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline is required. This role is ideal for recent graduates with a background in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, or related fields.

Experience: Prior laboratory experience is preferred, particularly experience working with mice, coding (Matlab and/or Python), and/or familiarity with neurobiology research. Candidates with experience in data analysis, histology, or kinematic tracking are particularly well-suited to the role.

Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively are essential. A proactive and adaptive mindset will be valuable, given the dynamic nature of our research.

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:https://hr.duke.edu/benefits

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

None required above education/training requirement. OR ANEQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

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.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe 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 essential job 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.