POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

20d

About The Position

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. Postdoctoral Associate (Sulman Lab) The Sulman Lab seeks a highly motivated research technician to assist in our efforts to understand fundamental mechanisms driving the development and progression of cancer, ultimately aiming to find better treatments for patients with cancer. The lab utilizes advanced molecular biology approaches, functional genomic screening, single-cell technologies, and the in-house developed CARPOOL platform for high-throughput drug evaluation. The lab is housed in the Department of Radiation Oncology, led by Professor Sulman, who serves as Chair of the Department, and collaborates extensively with the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, the Department of Neurosurgery, and the Duke Cancer Institute. Research focuses on the following broad topics of cell and cancer biology: (1) probing mechanisms of treatment resistance and radiation response, (2) designing and conducting genetic and pharmacologic screens to identify novel cancer therapeutic strategies in cellular and/or organoid model systems, (3) implementation of advanced functional genomics techniques and 3D chromatin profiling to determine the spatial and functional requirements of enhancers, and (4) tissue processing and molecular analysis of patient-derived clinical samples.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.).
• Should be used for post-doctoral fellows 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.
• The incumbent must be a true post-doctoral fellow registered with the Post Doc Office and per the following requirements:
• The term of this appointment is limited (5 years with a possible extension for an additional year)
• The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship, which may include teaching responsibilities.
• The appointment is viewed as preparatory for a full time academic or research career.
• The appointment is not part of a clinical research training program, unless research training under the supervision of a senior mentor is a primary purpose of the appointment.
• The appointee works under the supervision of a scholar or a department at Duke University.
• The appointee has the freedom, and is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

Responsibilities

• Develop overall research plans and design experiments aligned with project goals.
• Perform in vitro and in vivo studies, including experiments involving ionizing radiation.
• Utilize genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and other mouse models of brain tumors.
• Conduct experiments involving gene editing, molecular cloning, cell biology, and biochemical assays.
• Develop and apply technologies to analyze signaling and signal transduction pathways in vitro and in vivo.
• Manage and care for laboratory mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and experimental procedures.
• Maintain organized and complete electronic laboratory notebooks documenting all experiments.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, reports, and publications with PI guidance.
• Communicate significant findings—positive or negative—to the PI in a timely manner.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, troubleshoot issues, coordinate repairs, and perform preventive maintenance.
• Ensure a safe and compliant work environment by following institutional safety and regulatory standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of research data and intellectual property.
• Participate in educational and professional development opportunities, including seminars, conferences, and literature review.
• Contribute to a collegial, supportive work environment and assist in training students, technicians, and other trainees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees