Postdoctoral Associate

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

2d

About The Position

The REGAL (Research to Eliminate GlobAL Cancer Disparities) team at Duke University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a rigorous, data-intensive research program focused on advancing cancer health equity in the U.S. and globally. This position is designed for scientists with strong computational and quantitative training who are eager to apply advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods to complex, multi-level data.
The Postdoctoral Associate will train under the primary mentorship of
Dr. Tomi Akinyemiju, with additional support from junior faculty and senior postdoctoral fellows, within a highly collaborative and methodologically driven research environment. The position emphasizes the development and application of advanced analytical approaches to address fundamental questions in cancer disparities, while building a strong foundation for an independent research trajectory.

REGAL is a multidisciplinary research program integrating social epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, and global health to investigate the drivers of cancer disparities across the prevention and survivorship continuum. Our work leverages large-scale cohort studies, registry data, and multi-omics platforms to generate actionable, high-impact insights. The team operates at the intersection of epidemiologic theory, quantitative methods, and translational science, with a strong emphasis on rigorous study design, reproducible analytics, and integration of biological and social data.

Requirements

• A PhD degree is required.
• Have recently completed (or are near completion of) a doctoral degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or a closely related quantitative field
• Demonstrate strong computational and statistical training, including experience with complex data analysis
• Have proficiency in statistical programming (e.g., R, SAS, STATA, or Python)
• Exhibit strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and a commitment to rigorous, reproducible science
• Are highly motivated, curious, and committed to developing advanced methodological expertise

Nice To Haves

• Experience with large-scale or high-dimensional datasets (e.g., cohort, registry, or omics data)
• Familiarity with causal inference methods or machine learning approaches
• Demonstrated experience in scientific writing and publication
• Have interest or experience in cancer epidemiology, genomics, and/or social determinants of health

Responsibilities

• Quantitative & Computational Analysis: The Postdoctoral Associate will contribute to the design and execution of analyses addressing cancer disparities using complex, high-dimensional data. This includes implementing advanced statistical and computational methods across diverse data sources such as prospective cohorts, registry datasets, and multi-omics platforms. The role requires strong proficiency in statistical programming, careful attention to analytic assumptions, and the ability to develop reproducible, well-documented workflows.
• Methodological Development: The Postdoctoral Associate will further develop expertise in advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical methods, including causal inference, survival and longitudinal modeling, and approaches for integrating multi-level and high-dimensional data. There will be opportunities to apply and extend machine learning and data-driven methods, particularly in settings that require combining biological, clinical, and social determinants of health. The position emphasizes strengthening both technical depth and methodological rigor.
• Research Design & Interpretation: The Postdoctoral Associate will contribute to the development of research questions and analytic strategies that align with the conceptual and methodological goals of the program. This includes critically evaluating study design, identifying potential sources of bias, and ensuring that analytic approaches are appropriate for the research questions. The role requires strong critical thinking and the ability to translate complex analytic results into clear scientific interpretations.
• Manuscripts & Scientific Communication: The Postdoctoral Associate will lead and contribute to manuscript preparation, including drafting, revising, and submitting scientific papers. The role includes synthesizing complex quantitative findings into clear, rigorous narratives and contributing to abstracts, presentations, and sections of grant applications with mentorship from senior investigators.
• Collaborative Team Science: The Postdoctoral Associate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of faculty, analysts, and trainees, contributing to collaborative projects and participating in scientific discussions that strengthen analytic approaches and interpretation. There will also be opportunities to provide guidance to junior trainees and contribute to a supportive and intellectually engaged team environment.
• Professional Development: The Postdoctoral Associate will engage in structured training and career development activities, including workshops, seminars, and opportunities to develop independent research ideas. The position is designed to support the development of a strong methodological and scientific foundation for future independent funding.

Benefits

• Duke's competitive benefits package including health insurance plans, generous paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, tuition assistance for employees and their children, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees