Postdoctoral Associate

Duke PA; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University is seeking a postdoctoral associate for the Oliver Laboratory to study mechanisms of tumor identity and resistance in lung and head and neck cancers using integrated genetic, molecular, and computational approaches.

The candidate will gain experience with cutting-edge models (mouse, patient-derived, organoids), single-cell and spatial genomics, and preclinical studies, while publishing findings and mentoring students in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology or related biomedical discipline.
• Strong publication record.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Experience with cancer biology; mouse models/genomics/bioinformatics is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct independent research projects on tumor initiation, progression, lineage plasticity, metabolism, and therapy resistance using mouse, patient-derived models, organoids, and cell culture.
• Apply advanced experimental approaches including mouse genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, genomics, histopathology, and bioinformatics.
• Analyze and communicate findings at meetings and conferences; prepare manuscripts for publication and contribute to grants and reports.
• Mentor graduate students, undergraduates, and technicians within the lab.

Skills

Independent/collaborative work

Strong publication record

Organization skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Multidisciplinary research

Mentoring experience

Education

Ph.D. in Cancer Biology or related biomedical discipline

Tools

Genetically engineered mouse models

Patient-derived models

Organoid systems

Single-cell and spatial genomics

Bioinformatics

Job description

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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.

Be You.

Postdoctoral Associate – Oliver Laboratory

The Laboratory of Dr. Trudy G. Oliver, Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology and member of the Duke Cancer Institute at Duke University, is seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Associate to join our research team. Our laboratory investigates the mechanisms of tumor cell identity, heterogeneity, lineage plasticity, and therapeutic resistance in lung and head and neck cancers using integrated genetic, molecular, and computational approaches. We are particularly interested in discovering new therapeutic vulnerabilities and translating these findings into improved treatments for patients.

This position offers an outstanding opportunity to work in a highly collaborative research environment while gaining experience with cutting-edge technologies, including genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived models, single-cell and spatial genomics, organoid systems, and preclinical therapeutic studies.

Learn more about our research by visiting https://www.theoliverlab.com/ or searching "Oliver TG" on PubMed.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Computational Biology, or a related biomedical discipline.
• Strong publication record demonstrating research productivity.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Prior experience in cancer biology is preferred but not required. Experience with mouse models, genomics, bioinformatics, or computational analysis is considered an advantage.

This position is

• Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.

Be Bold.

Major Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Design and conduct independent research projects focused on mechanisms of tumor initiation, progression, lineage plasticity, tumor metabolism, cell-cell interactions, immune responses, and therapeutic resistance using genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived models, organoids, and cell culture systems.
• Apply state-of-the‑art experimental approaches that may include mouse genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer genomics, histopathology, bioinformatics, imaging, and cell biology. Specific research projects will be developed jointly with the Principal Investigator based on the candidate's interests and expertise.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate research findings through presentations at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, and national and international scientific conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact peer‑reviewed journals and contribute to grant applications, fellowship proposals, progress reports, and other scientific communications.
• Mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, research technicians, and other trainees within the laboratory.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating research environment.

Choose Duke.

This position offers an outstanding opportunity to work in a highly collaborative research environment while gaining experience with cutting‑edge technologies, including genetically engineered mouse models, patient‑derived models, single‑cell and spatial genomics, organoid systems, and preclinical therapeutic stud

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.