RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Duke University - Durham, NC

Full-time - Entry Level

Durham, NC

1,001-5,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Research Scientist position at Duke University School of Medicine offers an exciting opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research within the Surana lab, which focuses on the microbiota's role in protecting against immune-mediated diseases. The lab is led by physician-scientists and is part of a vibrant research community that collaborates with various departments, including Pediatrics, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Integrative Immunobiology. The research conducted in this lab aims to identify and culture bacteria with immunomodulatory properties and to understand the mechanisms by which these bacteria influence host physiology. This involves a combination of microbiology, bacterial genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, and mouse models of disease to explore host-bacteria interactions. As a member of the Surana lab, the Research Scientist will be responsible for performing a variety of routine molecular biology techniques, such as nucleic acid isolation, PCR, and ELISAs, as well as microbiology techniques. The role includes maintaining a mouse colony, administering compounds to mice, performing dissections to isolate and characterize lymphocytes, and conducting relevant animal models of disease, including infections and autoimmune models. The scientist will also work with germ-free and gnotobiotic mice, assist in planning specific research procedures, develop and troubleshoot new techniques, and maintain organized records of results and methodologies. The position requires strong analytical skills to resolve complex problems and the ability to compile and analyze data effectively. The Research Scientist will also play a crucial role in ensuring the lab runs safely and efficiently, which includes ordering supplies, maintaining safety approvals, and managing equipment. This position is ideal for individuals who are motivated, flexible, and capable of working independently while managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of routine molecular biology techniques (e.g., isolation of nucleic acids, PCR, ELISAs) and microbiology techniques.
• Maintain a mouse colony, including routine husbandry, genotyping, and maintaining inventory.
• Administer compounds to mice through injections and oral gavage, and perform dissections to isolate and characterize lymphocytes from various tissues.
• Conduct relevant animal models of disease, such as infections and autoimmune models.
• Work with germ-free and gnotobiotic mice.
• Assist with planning specific research procedures across laboratory and animal facilities.
• Develop and troubleshoot new techniques and process samples for appropriate downstream data analysis.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date records of results and methodologies.
• Compile and help analyze data, preparing charts, graphs, and results of studies.
• Help the lab run safely and efficiently, including ordering supplies, maintaining safety approvals, and managing equipment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, or a closely related field.
• Analytical skills to resolve complex problems using 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.
• Strong written and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Flexibility, motivation, and ability to work independently.
• Willingness and ability to take on multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with flow cytometry and advanced molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and data analysis software.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and collaboration within a vibrant research community.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources at Duke University School of Medicine.