Research Scientist, Senior

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

About The Position

The Luftig Lab at Duke University School of Medicine's Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology investigates the molecular mechanisms by which Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establishes latency, switches to the lytic cycle, and drives human cancers. EBV is one of the most prevalent human herpesviruses, latently infecting virtually all adults worldwide, and contributes to approximately 2% of all cancers globally. These include B-cell lymphomas and epithelial malignancies like gastric and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We evaluate the relative contributions of viral oncoproteins, host signaling pathways, and the immune microenvironment in determining infected B-cell fate decisions, with a particular focus on transcriptional regulation, metabolic reprogramming, and epigenetic control. We leverage cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary approaches including single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, flow cytometry, and cell-based and pre-clinical animal models. We aim to define fundamental molecular circuits driving viral-induced lymphomagenesis and identify vulnerabilities for therapeutic intervention. The Luftig Lab includes postdoctoral fellows, PhD graduate students, MD/PhD trainees, and research scientists, and is embedded within the broader Duke Cancer Institute and Duke Center for Virology. The Luftig laboratory seeks a Senior Research Scientist with extensive training and experience in molecular genetics and virology to support the scientific activities of the research group focused on Epstein-Barr virus pathogenesis. The Senior Research Scientist will contribute to 1) wet lab experimentation on EBV and cell culture, 2) generating high quality data for the study of virus/host interactions using multiple modalities, 3) catalyzing the work of the research group through molecular genetic and next-generation sequencing work, 4) analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of results, and 5) mentorship of trainees in particular training in the aforementioned skills.

Requirements

A PhD degree is required.
Work requires a minimum of ten years of postdoctoral experience conducting scientific research.
Multiple publications and notable significant contributions to scientific research.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in molecular genetics, virology, cell culture, DNA and RNA library preparation for next generations sequencing.
Proficient in basic computing software and web-based applications (e.g., Microsoft Office products).

Responsibilities

Performs key experiments with in-depth molecular and cellular characterization of EBV infection in diverse models.
Develop molecular genetic tools within the laboratory for such experiments and collaboration within the group.
Facilitate the use and develop new approaches to single cell based modalities and next-generation sequencing analysis for the group.
Uses expertise in genetics of virus/host interaction research design to develop protocols or research proposals. Provides significant contribution on peer reviewed publications or conference presentations.
Seeks out, integrates, and applies new analytical and technical knowledge towards innovation and performance improvement, as relevant. Ensures continuous evaluation of technology solutions for the research group.
Provides significant intellectual contribution to the research program, including in developing the scientific content of research proposals and manuscripts. Establishes and maintains internal (Duke) and external communications to ensure successful research partnerships.
Keeps current with research updates and advances in the scientific area, considers the impact on the broad research portfolio, and oversees necessary implementation.
Uses advanced subject matter expertise in the research to solve complex problems or foster innovation across the broad research group.
Communicates effectively with others, regardless of reporting relationship, to accomplish shared work objectives. Uses expertise in research design to develop protocols or research proposals.
Serves as an expert resource to faculty, trainees, and staff for the development of protocols for complex experimental studies, in particular using molecular genetics techniques and next generation library work.