Duke Research Assistant 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 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations. Be You. At Duke University School of Medicine, we celebrate individuality, curiosity, and the power of interdisciplinary thinking. As a Research Technician I (Computational Biology & Bioinformatics), you'll join a collaborative and inclusive research environment where your quantitative skills, creativity, and scientific interests directly contribute to advancing cancer and brain tumor genomics. In the lab of Dr. Yi Zhang, you'll work alongside computational scientists, cancer biologists, clinicians, and engineers to develop and apply innovative data science approaches that help uncover biological insights from complex genomics data. Be Bold. This role is designed for early-career scientists who are excited to push boundaries in machine learning, integrative genomics, and cancer biology. What You'll Do:

• Develop and implement novel machine learning and data analysis methods for large-scale multi-omics datasets, including:
  • Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing
  • Spatial transcriptomics
  • Single-cell and bulk multi-omics
  • Genetic variation and functional genomics data
• Apply computational methods to integrative genomics studies focused on:
  • Cancer genomics
  • Tumor microenvironment
  • Brain tumors
• Collaborate closely with Dr. Yi Zhang and lab members on computational method development and biological interpretation.
• Partner with interdisciplinary collaborators across Duke and external institutions in quantitative genomics and data science.
• Communicate scientific findings through writing, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Contribute to an open, collaborative research culture through code sharing and open-source development.

What We're Looking For (Preferred Qualifications):

• BS or MS (completed within the last 1-3 years or to be completed within 1 year) in a quantitative discipline such as:
  • Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science
  • Bioengineering, Biostatistics, Statistics, Mathematics
  • Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Data Science, or related fields
• Experience (or strong interest) in data analysis method development and computational implementation.
• Proficiency in Python or R, Linux/Unix shell scripting; experience with genomics pipelines and GitHub is a plus.
• Strong motivation to analyze genomics data and extract meaningful biological insights.
• Interest or experience in areas such as:
  • Cancer genomics
  • Tumor microenvironment
  • Single-cell and spatial omics
  • Immunology, gene regulatory networks
  • Non-coding genome, genetic variants, and functional genomics
• Excellent communication skills, including scientific writing and presentations.
• A demonstrated ability-or strong potential-to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary, collaborative research environment.

Choose Duke. Dr. Yi Zhang is an Assistant Professor at Duke University School of Medicine, with faculty appointments in Neurosurgery; Biostatistics & Bioinformatics; Biomedical Engineering; and Cell Biology, and is a member of the Duke Brain Tumor Omics Program at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center. Her training includes:

• PhD in Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Postdoctoral training at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Dr. Zhang has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals such as Cell, Nature Communications, Cancer Discovery, Genome Biology, Nature Machine Intelligence, and Neuro-Oncology. She is the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the NIH NIGMS R35 Award, EECS Rising Star, and Emerging Scholars in Genomics. At Duke, you'll benefit from:

• A supportive, inclusive, and international research culture
• Access to world-class collaborators in computer science, genomics, cancer biology, immunology, and neurosurgery
• Resources and mentorship to help you grow a successful scientific career

Ready to Make a Difference? Join us at Duke University School of Medicine and help advance the future of cancer and brain tumor genomics through data-driven discovery. Apply today. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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Level Characteristics

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Minimum Qualifications Education

Work requires an Associate's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other science related scientific field.

Experience

None required above education/training requirement OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

None required above education/training requirement OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to USD $26.49. 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, (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).