Botany Field Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

Be You.

The Bryan Brain Bank at Duke University in the Department of Pathology is looking for a Lab Research Analyst Ito join our team. The Brain Bank provides Duke researchers and academic and industry collaborators worldwide with access to longitudinal clinical information, quality biospecimens, and services to support and advance basic and clinical research.

The Bryan Brain Bank is part of the Duke/UNC Alzheimers Disease Research Center (ADRC), collaborative effort working to identify the biological factors involved in normal brain aging and disease with the help of a diverse group of young and older people with and without memory impairments.

In this role, you will be part of the mission to share our resources and facilitate collaborations aimed at improving diagnosis and care for all people with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.

Daily, just some of the activities you will engage in include:

1. Human Brain Tissue Repository Operations (20%)

• Perform laboratory procedures related to the receipt, processing, preservation, and storage of human postmortem brain tissue in accordance with established SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate and participate in brain transport from autopsy suites to the Brain Bank, ensuring chain-of-custody documentation, biosafety compliance, and proper temperature control.
• Conduct brain cutting, dissection, freezing, fixation, and preservation procedures following standardized Brain Bank protocols.
• Accurately document all processing activities, deviations, and quality observations in laboratory records and databases.

2. Specimen Preparation, Labeling, and Documentation (20%)

• Prepare, label, and track biological specimens including frozen tissue, FFPE tissue, blocks, slides, and biofluids (e.g., CSF) using standardized labeling systems and inventory tools.
• Ensure specimen identity, integrity, and traceability throughout processing, storage, and distribution workflows.
• Maintain detailed documentation supporting sample provenance, processing history, and storage location.

3. Data Management and Recordkeeping (15%)

• Enter, update, and maintain accurate specimen and case data in electronic databases and tracking systems.
• Perform routine data quality checks to identify and correct discrepancies or missing information.
• Support data reconciliation between physical inventory and electronic records.

4. Tissue Utilization and Research Support (25%)

• Process tissue requests from internal and external investigators in accordance with Brain Bank policies, IRB approvals, and Material Transfer Agreements.
• Identify, isolate, and prepare requested samples based on approved criteria.
• Package and ship biological specimens following institutional, federal, and international shipping regulations.
• Document sample release, usage, and shipment details.

5. Laboratory Quality Control and Infrastructure (10%)

• Assist with routine quality control checks related to tissue handling, storage conditions, labeling accuracy, and documentation.
• Monitor freezer performance, temperature logs, and equipment status; escalate issues as needed.
• Support maintenance of laboratory supplies, consumables, and equipment inventories.

6. Training, Oversight, and Safety Compliance (10%)

• Assist with training of staff, students, and trainees on Brain Bank SOPs, safety procedures, and documentation practices.
• Provide day-to-day guidance to support consistent execution of standardized workflows.
• Participate in laboratory safety, biosafety, and compliance activities, including required trainings and inspections.

Minimum Requirements:

Education/Training: Work requires a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other directly related scientific field.

Experience: Work requires two years of research experience. A related master's degree may offset required years of experience on a 1:1 basis, e.g., a two year master's degree in lieu of two years of experience.

OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Preferred Qualifications:

• Meticulous attention to detail
• Highly collaborative approach and ability to set and meet clear goals
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and equipment
• Strict adherence to lab safety protocols
• Good organization and time management
• Ability to work effectively in a team while also being able to learn and adapt to new technologies.

Choose Duke.

Join our award-winning team and be part of an inclusive culture that values excellence, innovation, and discovery. Duke University is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide and is renowned for its cutting-edge research across disciplines. Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from Duke's competitive benefits package, including health insurance plans, generous paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, tuition assistance for employees and their children, and more.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $51,448.00 to USD $77,945.00. 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, sex (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).

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