Research Technician Position @ The Goldstein Lab, Duke University

The Goldstein Lab is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual for a full-time position as a Research Technician to support projects focused on mechanisms of injury and repair in the peripheral olfactory system, with the ultimate goal of informing therapeutic strategies for smell loss.

The Goldstein Lab is a highly collaborative environment with broad expertise in cell culture, mouse models of olfactory damage and regeneration, and cellular and molecular analysis of human olfactory biopsies, with a particular focus on single-cell RNA sequencing.

Job Descriptions:

The research technician will contribute to projects investigating the underlying causes of olfactory dysfunction across various disease contexts. The position offers hands-on training in a wide range of molecular biology techniques, including tissue processing, RNA isolation, single-cell sequencing, and data analysis, while also engaging in scientific inquiry and experimental design.

The technician will work closely with Dr. Sarah Kim, MD, PhD, a resident physician in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, and will be co-mentored by Dr. Bradley Goldstein, MD, PhD, Professor and Vice Chair of Research in the same department.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in collecting and processing human and/or mouse biopsies of the olfactory epithelium for a variety of downstream analysis, including flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and single cell RNA sequencing.
• Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions.
• Maintain sufficient inventory of materials, supplies, and equipment for the research lab.
• Operate various electronic devices in the collection, tabulation, and analysis of data.
• Set up instruments, materials, and apparatus, and operate standard laboratory equipment.
• Assist in the development of new research procedures and techniques.
• Assist in the training of new personnel.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Neuroscience or a related field is required. We will prioritize applicants who also have the following:
• A successful history of handling projects with multiple moving parts.
• Experience in a “wet lab” (e.g. familiarity with pipettes, centrifuges, chemical/biological substances and appropriate safety precautions, etc.)
• Experience in Python and/or R (helpful but not required).
• A willingness to learn on the job, and the ability to do so quickly.
• A history of working well with others.

To apply, please email Sarah Kim at sarah.kim912@duke.edu