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 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Be You.

The Principles of Tissue Morphogenesis (Munjal Lab) in the Department of Cell Biology at Duke University School of Medicine seeks a motivated laboratory technician to work on developmental biology questions using zebrafish. Ongoing NIH-supported projects focus on understanding the molecular, cellular, and extracellular mechanisms that drive tissue development. The candidate will contribute to these research efforts both collaboratively and independently, perform general laboratory and zebrafish maintenance, manage the ordering of reagents and consumables, and assist in training other personnel, including undergraduate researchers.

We are a young and growing lab with a highly collaborative team. The PI’s mentoring philosophy emphasizes supporting each trainee’s unique career trajectory, with a strong focus on developing independence and a sense of fulfillment in research. This position is designed for individuals interested in pursuing PhD programs after gaining 2–3 years of hands-on research experience. Previous laboratory technicians have successfully transitioned to PhD programs and have been co-authors on publications, reflecting our commitment to mentorship and career development.

The position is expected to be a minimum 2-year commitment, providing sufficient time for meaningful scientific engagement and skill development. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking in-depth academic research experience before applying to graduate or medical school.

The anticipated start date is July 1st, 2026, with some flexibility. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for two references to akankshi.munjal@duke.edu. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. or B.A. in related scientific discipline
• 1 or more years of college-level laboratory experience
• The ability to work in a team
• Good organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates with zebrafish husbandry experience and/or molecular biology techniques.

This position is:

• Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.

Be Bold.

• Perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting physical, chemical, biological and other research laboratory tests, experiments and determinations to obtain data for research purposes; compile, analyze, document and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results.
• Confer with principal investigator to review work assignments and develop plans for research experiments; make minor modifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques to meet the needs of the particular equipment as required.
• Review laboratory methods manual, scientific journals, abstracts and other literature for information applicable to research experiments.
• Determine and set up instruments, material and apparatus and operate laboratory equipment required for specific tests.
• Obtain, prepare, mount and stain tissue, blood and other substances for microscopic examination.
• Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents and solutions.
• Maintain sufficient inventory of material, supplies and equipment for performance of duties; clean and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Review work of lower level laboratory personnel within designated areas and assist in training new personnel.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Choose Duke.

This position is geared for the highly motivated individual with a preferred background zebrafish husbandry and/or molecular biology technique. Successful candidates for this position must display self-initiative and motivation, teamwork, excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Anticipated Pay Range: 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/

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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, (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 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 essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).