Postdoctoral Research Associate

GlycoData; Durham, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow to join the Boyce Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry.

The project, funded by NINDS R01, will explore how O-GlcNAc glycosylation regulates KLHL-family E3 ubiquitin ligases and their substrates in neuronal proteostasis and neurodegeneration.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in biochemistry, cell biology, neuroscience or related field.
• Experience in cellular neurobiology or O-GlcNAc signaling/glycobiology preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team and to pursue rigorous, reproducible science.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments to understand how O-GlcNAc glycosylation regulates KLHL-family E3 ubiquitin ligases and substrates.
• Lead publications and present work at national conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and help develop independent research projects.

Skills

Biochemistry

Cell biology

Neuroscience

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/Cell Biology/Neuroscience

Job description

Duke University Durham, NC Posted September 17, 2026

The Boyce Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry at Duke University seeks a talented, motivated, and collegial postdoctoral fellow to join a newly funded NINDS R01 project investigating how O-GlcNAc glycosylation regulates KLHL-family E3 ubiquitin ligases (gigaxonin, KLHL3) and their substrates (neurofilaments, WNK kinases) in neuronal proteostasis, cytoskeletal dynamics, and ferroptotic cell death. This collaborative work combines biochemistry, chemical biology, cell signaling, live-cell imaging, and organotypic brain slice models to dissect the mechanistic links between intracellular glycosylation and neurodegeneration. By mutual agreement with the PI, the exact portfolio within the larger project may be adjusted to suit the postdoc’s background, interests, and professional goals.

The successful candidate will have access to a rigorous, well-funded, inclusive, and highly collaborative research environment with state-of-the-art core facilities and opportunities to develop independent expertise across multiple experimental systems, from cell lines to primary neurons to ex vivo brain tissue. The postdoc will be encouraged to develop a unique scientific identity within the broader project, lead publications, present their work at national conferences, mentor junior researchers, and develop the skills and preliminary data needed for an independent research career in any sector.

We are looking for a candidate with a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral training in biochemistry, cell biology, neuroscience, or a related field, who is intellectually curious, works well independently and as part of a team, and is committed to rigorous, reproducible science. Research experience in cellular neurobiology and/or O-GlcNAc signaling or glycobiology more broadly is strongly preferred but not strictly required. Scientists with strong backgrounds in adjacent areas and a firm commitment to learning glycobiology approaches are also encouraged to apply.