Associate in Research- Duke University - Department of Biomedical Engineering

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join the diagnostics/biointerface science team within the Chilkoti lab at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University as an Associate in Research. Our lab combines cutting-edge techniques from various disciplines, including: surface chemistry, inkjet printing, 3D printing, nanofabrication, biomedical optics, and molecular biology, among others. We combine these skill sets to develop innovative and clinically relevant point-of-care diagnostic technologies, particularly those aimed at democratizing access to healthcare in limited resource settings (see recent publication: https://www.pnas.org/content/114/34/E7054). 

The candidate must have received prior experience in a laboratory setting in chemistry, engineering, and/or molecular biology, and have obtained an undergraduate degree and or master’s degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, or a related scientific discipline. The applicant must be detail-oriented, independent, proactive, well-organized, and able to manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are important for this team-based environment. The candidate must be able to follow instruction from their supervisor/manager with special attention to detail and quality of their work.

General duties

·   Perform a variety of technical laboratory duties to support research efforts by senior team members.

·   Perform preventative maintenance as per manufacturer guidelines on multiple pieces of equipment in the lab on a routine schedule.

·   Maintain the inventory of common supplies, and proactively order new items as needed.

Specific technical laboratory duties

·   Perform batch polymerizations to grow polymer brushes from glass slides to be used for assay fabrication and development 

·   Assay fabrication and development, including: 

o Inkjet print antibodies for surface bio-functionalization 

o Fabrication and assembly of microfluidic cassettes 

o Performing dose-response curves

Desired skills

·   Previous hands-on laboratory experience (e.g. familiarity with pipets, centrifuges, dangerous chemical/biological substances and appropriate safety precautions, etc.)

·   A successful history of handling projects with multiple moving parts.

·   Proficiency with 3D printing and CAD is a plus (e.g., AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Solidworks, OnShape)

·   A willingness to become scientifically independent is highly desirable

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.