POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

19d

About The Position

We are looking for an energetic and motivated individual to join our childhood cancer translational research team. We study a pediatric skeletal muscle solid tumor called rhabdomyosarcoma, and have a mandate by the NIH to inform new therapies for this difficult-to-treat disease. Focus is on understanding how corrupt coding and non-coding (“dark genome”) genes that are part of developmental signaling pathways (Notch, Hippo) support tumorigenesis and might reveal novel therapeutic vulnerabilities. Every project incorporates the evaluation of novel pharmacologic agents to shepherd to early phase clinical trials. We collaborate with investigators intramurally (Duke Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering), and extramurally nationally and internationally. Being independent and able to interface with multiple work groups is critical. We use biochemical, proteomic, cell biology, molecular biology, genomic, epigenomic, and mouse model approaches and collaborate with groups using artificial intelligence approaches and next-gen chemistry. We value teamwork, creativity, resilience and patient advocacy. A two-year commitment (or beyond) is preferred. See our lab’s website https://sites.duke.edu/corinnelinardiclab/.

Requirements

• PhD (or doctoral degree equivalent) in Biochemistry, Genetics, or Cell/Molecular Biology with a record of publication in peer-reviewed journals (preferred). Candidates with expertise in cancer biology are encouraged to apply
• Ability to perform molecular and cellular protocols including nucleic acid isolation, qPCR, cloning, mutagenesis, cell culture, protein lysate generation, immunoblot, and lentiviral-based protocols
• Willingness to learn mouse protocols for cancer research.
• Qualifying competencies include excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent self-motivation, organizational skills, creativity, ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform literature reviews to guide research
• Design and execution of standard in vitro assays ongoing in the lab (transient or stable expression of cDNA/shRNAs/CRISPR, mutagenesis, IPs, immunoblotting, nucleic acid extractions, PCR, phenotype-based cell assays including proliferation, apoptosis, myogenic differentiation, etc)
• Design and implementation of in vitro and in vivo ‘omics screens, with input from the Duke Functional Genomics, Sequencing, and Proteomics cores
• Participation in in vivo murine pre-clinical studies (SQ and orthotopic xenografts) and tumor tissue analyses including immunohistochemistry and preparation for NGS
• Application of statistically sound analyses
• Participating in drafting of LOIs, grant applications, abstracts, posters, and manuscripts
• Participating and presenting in domestic/international childhood cancer think thank meetings
• Functioning as a resource for early stage scientists (graduate students and technicians)
• Flexing one’s intellectual muscles to think out-of-the box for this difficult-to-cure cancer

What This Job Offers

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