Scientist Jobs in Durham, NC
Scientist jobs in Durham, North Carolina are in strong demand, concentrated in Research Triangle Park, the Chesterfield district, and downtown Durham across life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and biotech. Employers hiring right now include Duke Health, Alcami, and Syngenta. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories
Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health patients by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.
Medical Lab Scientist in the Flow Cytometry Lab at Duke University Hospital. Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
This position is eligible for the second-shift differential and a $7,500 commitment bonus (for a 1-year commitment).
Medical Lab Scientist degree and ASCP certification strongly preferred.
General Description
Perform a variety of routine and complex technical tasks in the performance of laboratory tests to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Job duties are dependent on the laboratory and may be composed of a combination of the following duties and responsibilities related to the specialization.
Work Performed
- Perform a variety of tests in clinical laboratories using standard techniques and equipment; perform related duties in the laboratory to include specimen handling, using manual and automatic equipment to test specimens, and performing and reporting analytical tests.
- Operate manual or computerized instrumentation.
- Calibrate and maintain instrumentation according to standard operating procedures.
- Process patient samples for testing using appropriate identification techniques and written procedures to ensure quality material for testing.
- Perform basic troubleshooting of assay problems as directed by senior staff.
- Communicate problems/issues to appropriate individuals.
- Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment.
- Participate in the development of new medical laboratory tests and techniques.
- Participate in the preparation for lab inspections.
- Review lab inspection documents and procedures to maintain knowledge.
- Bring any non-compliance issues to the attention of upper-level staff.
- Perform proficiency testing as directed to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies.
- Document quality control and quality assurance results.
- Notify upper-level personnel of instrument malfunctions or unusual or unexpected data or results.
- Review written procedures and policies for accuracy and submit changes to manager or designee.
- Understand, comply with, and perform all necessary safety procedures.
- Maintain compliance with safety training.
- Report all safety incidents within 24 hours.
- Attend all laboratory meetings, safety training, and compliance training as required.
- Comply with competency testing procedures for laboratory staff.
- Train new staff.
- Serve as a resource person/role model, as per guidelines determined by laboratory management.
- Comply with laboratory training programs.
- Provide technical guidance and instruction to students, interns, residents, staff, and other employees.
- Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
- Use behaviors that support achievement of balanced scorecard targets and support DUHS values.
- Consistently cooperate and communicate effectively with co-workers to ensure effective workflow.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Chemical, Physical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science; or Medical Technology.
- Generalist certification required for general laboratories. Generalist or specialty certification required for specialty laboratories.
- Minimum educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA Director, provided minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.
Experience
Two years of experience as a certified MLS.
Degrees, Licensures, Certifications
Generalist or specialty certification by a nationally recognized board or agency (required). Certification will vary depending on laboratory. Master of Science in lieu of certification for the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory.
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.
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 provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
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Find Scientist JobsScientist Job Market in Durham
Who's Hiring
- Duke Health11

- Alcami4

- Syngenta3

- Wolfspeed3

- Guidehouse3

Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Education
- Electronics & Hardware
- Consulting & Professional Services
Scientist Jobs in Durham: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a scientist job in Durham?
Focus your search on Durham's Research Triangle Park corridor, the Chesterfield biotech district, and the medical and research institutions anchoring downtown. Life sciences, pharmaceutical development, and environmental sciences drive the most hiring locally. Candidates with hands-on lab experience, familiarity with GLP or GMP protocols, and exposure to cross-functional research teams tend to stand out in Durham's competitive but active market.
Which companies hire scientists in Durham?
Employers hiring scientists in Durham right now include Duke Health, Alcami, and Syngenta, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Durham's employer mix leans heavily toward large pharmaceutical firms, contract research organizations, and university-affiliated research centers, giving scientists a range of environments from early-stage discovery to large-scale clinical work.
Are there remote scientist jobs in Durham?
Yes, though remote availability depends heavily on the type of work, since hands-on lab and fieldwork roles are almost always on-site while data analysis, regulatory affairs, and scientific writing roles are far more flexible. About 26% of scientist openings tied to Durham are remote or hybrid as of July 2026. Computational biology, bioinformatics, and regulatory science positions see the most remote opportunities in the Durham area.
How can I get a scientist job in Durham with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Durham is through research assistant or lab technician roles at the contract research organizations and biotech companies concentrated in Research Triangle Park and the Chesterfield district. Many of these employers hire recent graduates directly and use those positions as pipelines into full scientist roles. Volunteering with or doing coursework through Duke University or North Carolina Central University also strengthens local candidacy.
Which industries hire the most scientists in Durham?
Durham scientist roles concentrate in Science & Research, Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, and Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Durham's position at the heart of the Research Triangle has made it a long-established hub for pharmaceutical research, clinical development, and environmental science, drawing both major corporations and specialized research firms to the area.
Related Jobs in North Carolina
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