Post-doctoral fellowships at Duke University

1.  Postdoctoral Associate - Skeletal Muscle Biology, Organoids, and Regeneration

Department: 

Biomedical Engineering

Job Description: 

Postdoctoral position is immediately available in the Bursac lab (http://bursaclab.pratt.duke.edu/) with the focus on use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for studies of skeletal muscle biology, disease, and regeneration. Specifically, 3-dimensional human skeletal muscle tissue organoids (“myobundles”) will be made using myogenic progenitors differentiated from hiPSCs or expanded from human muscle biopsies. These skeletal muscle organoids will be designed to contain robust contractile myofibers and a pool of functional muscle stem cells (satellite cells). Methods will be developed to incorporate primary or hiPSC-derived endothelial cell, immune system cells, and/or motoneurons in myobundles to develop more realistic, high-fidelity tissue-engineered models of skeletal muscle. The initial focus in using this improved model will be on understanding how non-muscle cells regulate satellite cell niche and muscle response to injury. Additionally, these 3D culture system will be used to model and study congenital muscle diseases including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Pompe disease, and Dysferlinopathy (LGMD2B) and to test candidate pharmacological and genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9) therapeutics to improve muscle mass and function. Most promising therapeutic candidates will be eventually validated in mouse models of muscle disease and injury in vivo.

Requirements: 

Qualifications include PhD or MD/PhD in cell and molecular biology, biomedical engineering, or other relevant areas of biomedical sciences. The ideal candidate will be highly self-motivated and possess strong training in cell and molecular biology, biochemical and histological techniques, and organoid models. Candidates with experience in culturing and differentiation of human iPS cells, genome editing, skeletal muscle biology, and in vivo models of muscle injury and disease will be given priority. Postdoctoral fellows are expected to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, participate in conferences for the intellectual exchange of research ideas, engage in existing and new collaborations within and outside Duke University, and assist with training of undergraduate and graduate students, as needed. The training environment of the Bursac group is highly interdisciplinary and provides ample opportunities for scientific growth and pursuit of both academic and industry careers. Duke University is an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates should send their resume, statement of research goals, and names of three reference writers to Dr. Nenad Bursac (nbursac@duke.edu).

Contact Name: 

Nenad Bursac

Contact Email: 

nbursac@duke.edu

Deadline to Apply: 

Saturday, October 1, 2022

2.  Postdoctoral Associate, Duke Dermatology

Department: 

Dermatology

Job Description: 

Duke University’s Department of Dermatology has an immediate opening for a Postdoctoral Associate in the laboratory of Dr. Chuan-Yuan Li.  

 More information is located at this link: https://medschool.duke.edu/profile/chuan-yuan-li

 We are seeking outstanding PhD (or equivalent) applicants with strong background in molecular and cellular biology. Areas of interest include in vivo tumor biology and cancer immunology. Expertise and training in bioinformatics is a plus. The Li lab is interested in a variety of areas such as skin cancer, stem cell biology, and wound healing (Hu et al, JCI, 2021, 131: e139333; Liu et al, Nature, 2020, 588:693-698; Liu et al, Cell Research, 2017, doi: 10.1038/cr.2017.41; Liu et al, Mol. Cell, 2015, 58:284-296;). The position will be available until filled.

Requirements: 

Min Degree Requirements: Relevant Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. Sc.D.,M.D.,D.V.M.). If the candidate has completed all of the requirements for a degree, but the degree has not been formally conferred; 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. Other Credential/Experiential Requirements: This position is limited to those with no more than 5 years combined of Duke and external postdoctoral experience, or no more than 4 years of Duke experience if that is the only postdoctoral experience.

How to Apply: 

To apply, email CV, references and letter of interest to chuan.li@duke.edu. 

Contact Name: 

Dr. Chuan Li

Contact Email: 

chuan.li@duke.edu.

Deadline to Apply: 

Thursday, June 30, 2022

3.  Postdoctoral Associate-Mowery Lab, Radiation Oncology

Department: 

Radiation Oncology

Job Description: 

The goal of the Mowery Lab (https://radonc.duke.edu/research/mowery-lab-0) is to make discoveries that guide the design of improved treatment strategies for patients with head and neck cancer. We have a particular interest in understanding the molecular underpinnings of radiation resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and immune dysregulation in the tumor microenvironment. We leverage molecular biology techniques, genetically engineered mouse models, and patient-derived tissue specimens to conduct our research. The Mowery Laboratory is based in the Department of Radiation Oncology, and our team works closely with faculty and staff in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, the Department of Radiology, the Department of Pathology, and the Duke Cancer Institute. 

 ·       Design and perform experiments in gene editing, molecular pharmacology, molecular cloning, cell biology and biochemistry.

 ·       Develop and utilize technology for analyzing signal transduction in vitro and in vivo.

 ·       Develop and utilize novel and existing mouse models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. 

 ·       Perform PCR for genotyping mice and evaluating recombination of conditional alleles from genetically engineered mouse models.

 ·       Care for laboratory mice including breeding and providing supportive care.

 ·       Perform cytotoxicity and clonogenic assays in vitro to evaluate effects of drugs and genetic modifications on radiation sensitivity of cell lines.

 ·       Develop and optimize radiation treatment plans for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma mouse models and normal tissue radiation toxicity experiments.

 ·       Organize overall research plan and design, execute, and troubleshoot individual experiments.

 ·       Maintain an organized and complete laboratory notebook detailing all experiments in electronic format utilizing Lab Archives.

 ·       Meet with PI regularly and keep PI informed of all important positive and negative results.

·       Keep equipment operating by following operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns; maintaining supplies; performing preventive maintenance; calling for repairs. 

·       Maintain safe and healthy work environment by complying with regulations and following standards and procedures.

·       Prepare manuscripts for scientific publication with PI supervision.

 ·       Assist with preparation of grant applications.

 ·       Protect organization's value by keeping research information confidential.

 ·       Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, networking and presenting at local, national and international meetings, and reading current primary literature.

 ·       Provide a friendly working environment and be available to teach research technicians and other trainees laboratory techniques and scientific methodology.

 

Requirements: 

Min Degree Requirements:

·         Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.).

How to Apply: 

Internal candidates can apply via this link:

 https://performancemanager4.successfactors.com/sf/jobreq?jobId=187688&company=dukeuniverP1

 External candiates can apply via this link:

https://careers.duke.edu/job-invite/187688/

Contact Name: 

Yvonne Mowery

Contact Email: 

yvonne.mowery@duke.edu

Deadline  07/31/2022

4.  Postdoctoral Associate, Pharmacology and Cancer Biology

Department: 

Pharmacology and Cancer Biology

Job Description: 

The McDonnell laboratory has immediate openings for two Postdoctoral Fellows to study the molecular pharmacology of the androgen and estrogen receptors and their signaling pathways in cancer and other endocrine disorders. Candidates interested in hormone action, signaling, drug action and contemporary drug discovery are encouraged to apply as are those interested in defining how sex hormones impact tumor immunity. The group maintains close collaborative relationships with several pharmaceutical companies and thus trainees have the opportunity to engage in research activities/projects that will prepare them for careers in industry or academics.  Candidates with a background in molecular biology, pharmacology or medicinal chemistry are encouraged to apply. 

Requirements: 

PhD in a relevant field (pharmacology, cancer biology, molecular biology, or related discipline).

·      Prior experience and competence in performing routine molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques.  Cell culture experience is essential.   

·      Experience working with mouse models is desirable. 

·      Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

·      Committed to working in a collaborative environment that values respect, diversity, and inclusion.

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names/contact information of three references to: Donald McDonnell (Donald.McDonnell@duke.edu).

Contact Name: 

Donald McDonnell

Contact Email: 

donald.mcdonnell@duke.edu

Deadline to Apply: 

Sunday, July 31, 2022

5.  Civil Discourse Project Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Department: 

Kenan Institute for Ethics

Job Description: 

Civil Discourse Project Post-Doctoral Fellowship at The Kenan Institute for Ethics

One-year Civil Discourse Project Post-Doctoral Fellowship (formerly the Arete Post-Doctoral Fellowship) in the humanities or political science at the Kenan Institute for Ethics. Provided satisfactory performance, we expect the postdoc to be renewed for a second year. Candidates must have completed their PhD within the last three years. The preferred candidate will have teaching experience with undergraduate students. In addition to pursuing their research and assisting with the Civil Discourse Project’s programming, the candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate classes in their field. To apply, please upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names/email address of three references on the site in addition to emailing directly to J.D. Wagner, (jordan.wagner@duke.edu).

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/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, sexual orientation, or veteran 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.

Requirements: 

Candidates must have completed a PhD in a humanities field or political science within the last three years. The preferred candidate will have teaching experience with undergraduate students.

How to Apply: 

Upload cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names/email address of three references to  https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/21415  in addition to emailing them directly to j.d. Wagner (jordan.wagner@duke.edu). 

Contact Name: 

j.d. wagner

Contact Email: 

jordan.wagner@duke.edu

Deadline to Apply: 

Sunday, July 31, 2022