POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

School of Medicine

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 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health.a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

The Surana lab is looking for an energetic and motivated Postdoctoral Associate who is interested in elucidating and better understanding causal host–microbiota–immune interactions. This physician–scientist-run laboratory innovatively integrates gnotobiotic mouse models, microbiology, immunology, and bioinformatics to tackle medically relevant questions. We recently developed a novel approach of microbe–phenotype triangulation that facilitates the identification of specific bacteria within the microbiota that are causally related to a phenotype of interest (Nature 2017). We interrogate these host–bacterial interactions from both the host (i.e., elucidating the immunological mechanism) and bacterial perspectives (i.e., identifying the necessary bacterial factors). Using our approach of microbe–phenotype triangulation, we identified a new bacterial species, Clostridium immunis, that modulates inflammatory and metabolic phenotypes via regulation of group 3 innate lymphoid cells. Moreover, we have genetically and biochemically characterized the bioactive molecule responsible for these functions. Additional projects focus on how the microbiota modulates vaccine efficacy and specific commensal bacteria that inhibit viral infections (where we have identified the critical bacterial gene, metabolite, and host receptor). 

The Surana lab is a part of the Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Integrative Immunobiology at Duke University School of Medicine. The lab is also affiliated with numerous centers on campus that offer a rich multidisciplinary environment, with active collaborations between clinicians and basic scientists. There are ample opportunities for formal and informal mentorship, with an eye towards ensuring scientific independence and career development. Some recent work from the lab has been published in PNAS (2020), Clinical Infectious Diseases (2021), and Frontiers in Immunology (2023). 

Position Requirements: 

· M.D. and/or Ph.D. (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences with a strong publication record 

· Keen interest in host–microbiota interactions 

· Robust background in microbiology and/or immunology 

· Experience with bioinformatics (e.g., 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, RNAseq) is preferred but not required 

· Strong communication (oral and written) and organizational skills 

· Capable of driving projects forward while also being supportive of other team members 

· Willingness to work with mice, with prior experience being beneficial 

If interested, please send a cover letter with a statement of research interests, a CV, and the names of 3 references to [email protected].

See job description for education requirements.

See job description for requirements.

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