Research Technician II - Pediatric Division Of Neurology

School of Medicine: Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked tenth among its peers, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where traditional barriers are low, interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced, and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve humanhealth locally and around the globe. Comprised of 2,400 faculty physicians and researchers, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing and Duke University Health System create Duke Health. Duke Health is a world-class health care network. Founded in 1998 to provide efficient, responsive care, the health system offers a full network of health services and encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Private Diagnostic Clinic, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations. Position Description AResearch Technician II position is available in th e laboratory of Dr. MohamadMikati in the Division of Neurology, Departme nt of Pediatrics at DukeUniversitySchool of Medicine. Research Topic: Genetherapy and physiology of the knock in mouse model of ATP1A3 mutation (model for Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood, AHC) Job Description: Our lab focuses on gene therapy,ph armacological therapy and pathophysiology of the D801N model of ATP1 A3 mutation, the most commonmutation causing AHC in humans. The Na+ /K+ ATPase pump consumes more than 50%of the energy of the brain. Dysfun ction in the ATP1A3 related Na+/K+ ATPase, expressed in all neu rons, results inmultiple genetic disorders the most common of which is A HC. Secondarydysfunction in the same ATPase results in neuronal degenera tion in multipledisorders including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases . It also contributesto the pathophysiology of multiple other disorders associated with energycrises such as stroke and epilepsy. Our major work concentrates on evaluatingthe efficacy of adeno-associated viral-mediat ed gene therapy, and othertherapies, to correct the behavioral and patho physiological abnormalities in ourmodel. Specific functions we test are batteries of behavioral tests, enzymaticassays, gene expression, immunoh istochemistry, western blot, EEG, ECG, in-vivoand in-vitro electrophysio logy. As a clinician scientist, Dr. Mikati's goal isto br ing therapy form the bench to the bedside and enhance research at theben ch through observations at the bedside. A Research-Tech II candidate wil l work on the project of determining theeffects of gene and of selected pharmacological agents on the animal model. Work Performed: Animalhandling, main tenance, genotyping and breeding of transgenic mouse colony. Performa va riety of technical duties involved in conducting behavioral, chemical,bi ological and other research laboratory tests; compile, analyze, document anddraw tentative conclusions from experimental results. Assist in writ ing reportsand research manuscripts. Confer with principal investigator to review workassignments and develop plans for research experiments; ma ke minormodifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques t o meet theneeds of the particular equipment as required. Review laborato ry methodsmanual, scientific journals, abstracts and other literature fo r informationapplicable to research experiments. Determine and set up in struments, materialand apparatus and operate laboratory equipment requir ed for specific tests. Obtain,prepare, mount and stain tissue, blood and other substances for microscopicexamination. Maintain sufficient invent ory of material, supplies and equipmentfor performance of duties; clean andmaintain laboratory equipment. Review workof lower level laboratory personnel within designated areas and assist intraining new personnel. P erform other related duties incidental tothe workdescribed herein. RequiredQualifications at this Level Education/Training: Work requires a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology or other scien ce related scientific field. Experience: None required above education/training req uirement. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AN D/OR EXPERIENCE Minimum Qualifications Education Workgenerally requires a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other directly related scientific field. Experience None required above education/training requirement. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Duke is an Affirmative Action/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, sexual orientation, or veteran 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 essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department. Nearest Major Market: Durham Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

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