Research Associate

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 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY

Seeking a scientist with good problem-solving skills and strengths in quantitative analysis.  Job duties will be to work in a fast-paced, team-based environment to conduct a variety of complex and independent investigations addressing physical, chemical, and other research laboratory experiments to obtain and interpret data for research projects at Duke, specifically addressing metabolomics and proteomics in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases. 

Scientific integrity, curiosity, and determination are key qualities of a successful candidate.

In particular, under the guidance of the Director or Assistant/Associate Director, the Associate in Research will conduct, under the supervision of the Director, a variety of complex laboratory procedures and specialized laboratory techniques for the analysis of endogenous metabolites, drug molecules, peptides and proteins in the Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility for the School of Medicine. **Note that both SOP-driven and independent analyses will be required, and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are critical. 

The ability to effectively work in a multidisciplinary team environment and move easily from one task to another is essential.

Tasks may include:

1. (20% time) Interact directly with submitting users (project consultations with PIs, post-docs, students) to determine appropriate experimental designs as well as provide cost/budget information for a wide range of proteomic and metabolomics studies coming into the DPMCF. Review preliminary data from submitting users and provide guidance to maximize a successful proteomic or metabolomics study.
2. (15% time) Supervise Laboratory Analyst level staff, providing direct support and oversight for tasks including; technical support of various sample preparation techniques, sample preparation troubleshooting, and assist in the scheduling and coordination of sample preparation timelines within the DPMCF.
3. (15% time) Quantification and identification of proteins, peptides and metabolites using triple quadrupole, and high resolution/accurate mass spectrometry.  Validation of figures of merit for quantitative LC-MS/MS assays. Review system suitability and system qualification metrics to ensure valid instrument operation prior to customer data collection.
4. (15% time) Lead/co-lead the continued development and evaluation of new service lines, new emerging technologies, new analytical protocols, etc. that improve the proteomic or metabolomic services that the DPMCF provides to our users.
5. (10% time) Preparation of standard stock solutions and biological samples for metabolomic, proteomic, and pharmacokinetic analyses.
6.  (10% time) Participation in meetings and other communication with investigators and researchers in project planning and experimental design.
7. (10% time) Contribution to written reports and publications of results in collaboration with investigators inside and outside of Duke. 
8. (5% time) Presentation of ongoing work at group meetings, and critical evaluation of new approaches for metabolomics and proteomics presented in the literature or by others.

Work requires a PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, biology or other directly related scientific field. 

Experimental design/planning, sample preparation, sample analysis using analytical techniques are essential. 

LC-MS experience and ability to perform data analysis, statistics, bioinformatics, or programming are a plus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

Education

See job description for education requirements.

Experience

See job description for requirements.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/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, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

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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 provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.