Computational Immunobiology Postdoctoral Associate

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) continues to lead cutting edge vaccine research against infectious diseases that impact global health.

This computational immunobiology postdoctoral position is appropriate for a candidate who is enthusiastic and willing to undertake multiple molecular biology and computational approaches to evaluate host immunity elicited by candidate HIV vaccines when administered prophylactically, and/or HIV vaccines when administered therapeutically in combination with

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Data Science or related field (MD/PhD with molecular biology experience).
• Experience analyzing omics data; familiarity with 10x Genomics datasets and Cell Ranger.
• Strong writing skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and learn quickly.
• Detail-oriented, organized with good communication; collaborates well in a team.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, analyze, archive, and review wet lab experiments under supervision.
• Collaborate with other staff and contribute to project progress.
• Evaluate host immunity elicited by candidate HIV vaccines using computational and molecular approaches.
• Contribute to dissemination of findings through writing and presentations.

Skills

Omics data analysis

10x Genomics data

Scientific writing

Communication skills

Project management

Education

PhD in Immunology, Data Science and/or related fields

MD/PhD with molecular biology research experience

Tools

Cell Ranger

Job description

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Computational Immunobiology Postdoctoral Associate

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 273022

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710

Date: Aug 7, 2026

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 2,600 faculty 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.

Williams Lab - Duke Human Vaccine Institute

Be You. Position Overview:

The Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) continues to lead cutting edge vaccine research against infectious diseases that impact global health. Basic science discoveries made using a variety of human and pathogen-derived proteins, designed, expressed and purified by a collaborative DHVI team have contributed to the identification of vaccine and therapeutic candidates currently being produced in Good Manufacturing Practice facilities for early phase clinical trials.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education:
• PhD in Immunology, Data Science and/or related fields.MD/PhD with molecular biology research experience.
• Experience/Training:
• Must have experience with analyzing omics data. Familiarity or direct experience with analysis of 10x Genomics data sets using cell ranger pipeline and additional analysis tools is desired. Must have writing experience; manuscript, grant and/or abstracts for scientific meetings
• Must be able to manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities and have ability to quickly learn new skills.
• Must be detail-oriented, well organized with strong communication skills and ability to work in an interactive team environment. Must have a desire to design, execute, analyze, archive, review wet lab experiments in a manner that is scientifically justifiable, reliable and understandable to others under the guidance of your supervisor. Understand and comply with all safety standards and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all laboratory staff. Collaborate with other staff and perform other duties as requested by the Principal Investigator or senior lab staff.

Be Bold. Position Description:

A HIV-1 Envelope (Env) vaccine that elicits broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) has remained elusive, in part due to our limited understanding of the mechanisms of bnAb induction during natural infection. Dr. Williams has been awarded a NIH UM1 grant to develop new vaccine strategies that can induce more protective immune responses in the non-human primate (NHP) model by exploring innovative mRNA constructs for immunogen delivery that can elicit both protective and therapeutic B and T cell responses. Recently, Dr. Williams was also awarded a NIH U01 grant to develop new vaccine strategies that can induce antibodies in early-life capable of preventingHIV-1infection in pediatric populations. This computational immunobiology postdoctoral position is appropriate for a candidate who is enthusiastic and willing to undertake multiple molecular biology and computational approaches to evaluate host immunity elicited by candidate HIV vaccines when administered prophylactically, and/or HIV vaccines when administered therapeutically in combination with novel immunotherapies. The Williams lab has state-of-the-art equipment for single cell omics assays and support for computing power for data analyses. Here at DHVI, we value collaborations, and pride ourselves in providing an excellent environment for academic and professional growth.

Choose Duke.

Join our award-winning team and be part of an inclusive culture that values excellence, innovation, and discovery. 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.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position based on the current year Duke and NIH Postdoc guidelines. 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/

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.

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 provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Nearest Major Market: Durham

Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.