Research Technician II – Psychiatry – Behavioral Medicine Division - Collective for Psychiatric Neuroengineering

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.

Research Technician II – Psychiatry – Behavioral Medicine Division - Collective for Psychiatric Neuroengineering

Be You.

The CPNE investigates how psychiatric disorders relate to disruptions in organized electrical activity across large cortical and subcortical networks in the brain. Using mouse models and approaches drawn from psychiatry, neurophysiology, and biomedical engineering, our work aims to show that abnormalities in these activity patterns represent a convergence point for multiple biological factors underlying psychiatric illness. We also study whether restoring normal electrical activity in disease states can improve or normalize behavior. As a Research Technician II in the CPNE, you will play an essential role in this work by providing hands-on daily support for our research studies.

Minimum Requirements

• Work requires a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, psychology or other related scientific fields.
• None required above education/training requirement or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with mouse models, including handling, behavioral assays, or stereotaxic procedures
• Familiarity with neurophysiology or electrophysiology techniques (e.g., EEG, LFP recordings, optogenetics)
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow complex experimental protocols
• Prior experience in a research laboratory setting, particularly within neuroscience or psychiatry

Other Requirements

• Ability to work with laboratory mice, including routine handling and participation in behavioral and surgical procedures
• Must complete Duke’s required animal handling and biosafety training upon hire
• Must adhere to all institutional and federal regulations for animal research
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required depending on experimental schedules

Be Bold.

Position Description

• Work schedule will be onsite, 8:30-5:00, Monday through Friday.
• Collaborate with postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and other lab staff on the design, preparation, and execution of experiments.
• Handle and train mice for behavioral experiments.
• Perform histology, dissect neural tissue in mice, and perform survival stereotactic surgeries for precise delivery of viral vectors into the brain.
• Build microwire electrodes.
• Analyze data using standard and machine learning algorithms.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and read literature applicable to the research area.
• Maintain a lab notebook of raw data and organize data for analysis by senior lab members.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein. 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 Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, founded in 1943, is one of 26 departments in the Duke University School of Medicine (SOM). The department is comprised of more than 500 faculty, staff, and trainees. Our goal is to help people with behavioral health challenges live their best life. We pursue this goal through a three-fold mission of superior specialty and integrated patient care for all, ground-breaking research, and exceptional training and education.

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.

Screening of Applications

Screening continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Pay Range

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.65 to USD $29.43. 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 the 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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