Lab Technician

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Duke University is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Lab Technician to join the research team led by Professor Nicole Rockey. The laboratory studies the environmental persistence and transmission of infectious diseases, with the goal of identifying and developing approaches to reduce pathogen spread and improve environmental health.

In this role, you'll contribute directly to scientific research while developing hands-on laboratory skills in a supportive learning environment. No prior laboratory experience is required. Training and ongoing skill development will be provided to help you build technical expertise and confidence in a variety of laboratory methods.

Your work will include conducting laboratory experiments, maintaining organized laboratory operations, and ensuring accurate experimental documentation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in infectious diseases, environmental health, and research who enjoys careful, detail-oriented work and collaborating as part of a research team.

Minimum Requirements

• Basic science background normally acquired through a high school education.
• Ability and willingness to learn and perform laboratory procedures.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Commitment to following laboratory procedures and safety requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological or environmental sciences, engineering, public health, or a related field.
• Previous laboratory experience, particularly with mammalian or bacterial cell culture and/or molecular methods.
• Interest in infectious diseases, environmental persistence, pathogen transmission, or related research areas.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work safely in a laboratory environment and follow established laboratory protocols.
• Position requires regular on-site work in a research laboratory setting.

This position is onsite. The work is performed on-site at a designated assignment location.

Be Bold.

Position Description:

• Perform laboratory experiments including mammalian and bacterial cell culture, nucleic acid extractions, molecular analyses, and virus stock generation while following established protocols and laboratory safety requirements.
• Support laboratory operations by maintaining organized workspaces, monitoring inventory levels, stocking supplies, and coordinating laboratory supply orders.
• Maintain accurate experimental records in designated paper and electronic formats to ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with laboratory standards.
• Follow laboratory procedures and safety practices while contributing to the efficient daily operation of the research laboratory.
• Collaborate with research team members to support ongoing studies focused on the environmental persistence and transmission of infectious diseases.

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

Choose Duke.

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Duke University is home to innovative research that addresses critical challenges in environmental health, public health, and sustainability. As part of Professor Rockey's research team, you'll contribute to studies that advance our understanding of how infectious diseases persist and spread in the environment, helping generate knowledge that can inform future prevention strategies.