RESEARCH SCIENTIST
Duke University
- Durham, NC
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Performing a variety of routine molecular biology (e.g., isolation of nucleic acids, PCR, ELISAs) and microbiology techniques.
- Maintaining mouse models (e.g., routine husbandry, genotyping, maintaining inventory), administering compounds to mice (injections, oral gavage), performing dissections to isolate and characterize organs, spines, bones, lymphocytes from various tissues, and conducting relevant animal models of disease (e.g., mammary fat pad, subcutaneous, intracardiac, tail vein, orthotopic brain and spine transgeneic and syngeneic models).
- Assisting with planning specific research procedures across laboratory and animal facilities.
- Carry-out literature review to guide research.
- Perform standard technical procedures such as PCR, qPCR, and electrophoresis, etc.
- Perform DNA extraction from human clinical specimens, fresh-frozen and/or paraffin-embedded tissue and aid in execution of experimental design and analysis of next generation sequencing data.
- Organize and perform integrative analysis of complex genetic and morphologic data, including computational and/or statistical analysis. Developing and troubleshooting new techniques and processing samples for appropriate downstream data analysis.
- Maintaining organized and up-to-date records of results and methodologies.
- Compiling and helping analyze data, preparing charts, graphs, and results of studies.
- Helping the lab run safely and efficiently, including ordering supplies, maintaining safety approvals, and managing equipment. • Establish and execute a validation/verification plan in light of biomarker discovery.
- Aid with drafting LOI's, (2) preparing IRB applications, (3) preparing budgets, (4) interfacing with industry or foundation partners to develop concepts, (5) submitting protocols for scientific and regulatory review, (6) helping process amendments, (7) assisting with abstract, posters, and manuscript drafts (including reference management and submission of materials).
- Position will be involved in training and education of neurosurgery residents, medical and graduate students in the School of Medicine, and undergraduates under the leadership of the Director of Spine Oncology.
- Ability to perform molecular & cellular protocols and mouse models, cloning, mutagenesis, standard biochemistry for protein analysis, viral-based protocol.
- Qualifying competencies include excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Analytical skills to resolve complex problems requiring the use of scientific, mathematical, or technical principles and in-depth, experienced-based knowledge.
- Experience with the care and handling of mice, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques is preferred.
- Excellent organizational skills, creativity, self-motivation, ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness and ability to take on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Experience in Bioinformatics is a plus·
- Strong written and communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, communication and organizational skills.
- Flexibility, motivation, and ability to work independently.
- A cover letter that describes your research and career goals, and your expertise or experience related to: a) molecular cloning OR b) post-translational regulation of protein/gene expression & function
- A curriculum vitae, including a publication list with a brief (2-3 sentence) description of your contributions to published work.
- Names and contact information for 3-5 references.