Research Assistant in Neurosciences

Duke University

Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710
Requisition Number: 264330
Personnel Area: Medical Center
Work Arrangement: Regular, Onsite
Date Posted: Dec 16, 2025

About Duke University 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 is an inclusive community of learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and innovative ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and globally.

The School comprises:

• 2,500+ faculty physicians and researchers
• 1,300+ students
• 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.

Position Summary

Title: Research Technician II – Psychiatry – Behavioral Medicine Division – Collective for Psychiatric Neuroengineering (CPNE)

The CPNE investigates how psychiatric disorders relate to disruptions in organized electrical activity across cortical and subcortical networks in the brain. Using mouse models and approaches from psychiatry, neurophysiology, and biomedical engineering, the lab studies:

• How abnormal activity patterns reflect convergence of biological factors underlying psychiatric illness
• Whether restoring normal electrical activity can normalize behavior

As a Research Technician II, you will provide hands-on daily support for CPNE research studies.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, psychology, or a related scientific field
• None required above the education requirement, or equivalent combination of education/experience

Preferred Qualifications

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

Other Requirements

• Ability to work with laboratory mice, including behavioral and surgical procedures
• Completion of Duke’s animal handling and biosafety training upon hire
• Adherence to institutional and federal regulations for animal research
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required

Position Description

• Work onsite, Monday–Friday, 8:30–5:00
• Collaborate with postdocs, graduate students, and lab staff on experiment design, preparation, and execution
• Handle and train mice for behavioral experiments
• Perform histology, neural tissue dissection, and survival stereotactic surgeries for viral vector delivery
• Build microwire electrodes
• Analyze data using standard and machine learning algorithms
• Participate in lab meetings and read relevant literature
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and organize data for senior lab members
• Perform other related duties as assigned

About the Department

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, founded in 1943, comprises 500+ faculty, staff, and trainees. The department pursues a three-fold mission:

1. Superior specialty and integrated patient care
2. Ground-breaking research
3. Exceptional training and education

Duke University is renowned for cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Health insurance and dental care
• Generous paid time off
• Retirement programs with employer contributions
• Tuition assistance for employees and their children

Screening & Application

• Screening continues until the position is filled

Anticipated Pay Range: USD $19.06 – $28.85/hour

Duke considers factors such as:

• Scope and responsibilities of the position
• Candidate’s work experience, education, and skills
• Internal peer equity
• Market and organizational considerations

Benefits: Learn more at https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Employment Opportunity

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is provided without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke promotes a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging, valuing diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. All members are expected to contribute to this inclusive environment.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Some roles may require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available as needed.

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

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