POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive community

Access to advanced research facilities

Job summary

A leading educational institution in North Carolina seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to advance gene therapy research in neuromuscular disorders. You'll lead investigations on respiratory pathology in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and design complex experiments. Candidates must possess a PhD and have experience with animal handling and molecular assays. Join a vibrant research community dedicated to innovative healthcare solutions. This position is an opportunity to make a significant impact in the field of medical research.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent.
• Experience in gene therapy research or neuromuscular disorders is preferred.
• Ability to design and execute complex experiments is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on respiratory pathology in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
• Conduct molecular and cellular experiments.
• Collaborate with lab members on research documentation.

Skills

Animal handling experience

Intellectual curiosity

Biostatistics and bioinformatics expertise

Experience with molecular assays

Experience with cellular assays

Education

PhD or equivalent doctorate

Tools

Molecular, cellular, biochemical, and immunological assays

Job description

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 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 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. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Postdoctoral Associate, you’ll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team advancing gene therapy research that supports patients and families impacted by neuromuscular disorders.

What You’ll Do

• Lead research on respiratory pathology and neuropathology in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
• Design, execute, and document molecular, cellular, biochemical, and immunological experiments.
• Conduct whole-body plethysmography, neurophysiology, and post-mortem molecular analyses (qPCR, western blot, histology).
• Evaluate adeno-associated viral-mediated gene therapy approaches for respiratory dysfunction.
• Optimize and troubleshoot protocols, reagents, and equipment.
• Collaborate with lab members and contribute to manuscripts, reports, and research documentation.
• Maintain accurate lab notes and remain current on emerging techniques and commercial reagents.

Requirements

• Animal handling experience.
• Intellectual curiosity and a growth mindset.
• Biostatistics and bioinformatics expertise for scRNA-seq analysis.
• Experience with molecular, cellular, biochemical, and immunological assays.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you’ll join a world-class research community committed to translating discoveries from bench to bedside. You’ll work closely with clinician–scientists who are driving innovation in neuromuscular and respiratory research.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Ready to Make a Difference? Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

Definition

The Postdoctoral Appointee holds a PhD or equivalent doctorate (e.g. ScD, MD, DVM). Candidates with non-US degrees may be required to provide proof of degree equivalency. 1. A candidate may also be appointed to a postdoctoral position if the candidate has completed all of the requirements for a degree but the degree has not been formally conferred: in this case, the candidate may present evidence of completion of the degree requirements, together with a statement documenting the date on which the degree is to be conferred. If the degree is not conferred by this projected date, the postdoctoral appointment may be terminated. 2. Note for international candidates: Generally, immigration classifications (e.g., H-1B, J-1, etc.) require that the requisite degree be conferred before a petition can be filed or a visa document issued to sponsor the individual. The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of appointment). The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship, and may include teaching responsibilities. The appointment is generally preparatory for a full time academic or research career. The appointment is not part of a clinical training program, unless research training under the supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral Appointee functions under the supervision of a mentor or a department at Duke University. The Postdoctoral Appointee is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

Expectation

• The conscientious discharge of research or scholarship responsibilities, which may include teaching responsibilities for Postdoctoral Associates.
• Conformance to standards of responsible conduct in research.
• Compliance with good scholarly and research practice.
• Maintenance of a laboratory notebook and/or other comparable records of research activity, which remains the property of Duke University upon termination.
• Adherence to University standards regarding use of isotopes, chemicals, infectious agents, animals, human subjects, and the like.
• Open and timely discussion with the mentor regarding all facets of the Postdoctoral Appointee's research activities.
• Postdoctoral Appointees are encouraged to consult the AAMC Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors for suggested guidelines for the Postdoctoral Appointee-mentor relationship.
• Prompt disclosure to the mentor regarding the possession and desire to distribute materials, reagents, software, copyrightable and potentially patentable discoveries derived from the Postdoctoral Appointee's research.
• Collegial conduct towards members of the research group and others as described in the Duke University School of Medicine Honor Code of Professional Conduct and other relevant conduct policies pertaining to other schools at Duke University.
• Compliance with all applicable University and departmental policies and procedures.

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.