Postdoctoral Associate in the Chakkalakal Lab

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 2,500 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.

Occ Summary 

Conduct independent research activities under the guidance of Joe Chakkalakal, PhD, in the Orthopaedic Surgery Department in preparation for a full time academic or research career. 

DEFINITION: 

· The Postdoctoral Appointee holds a PhD or equivalent doctorate (e.g.ScD, MD, DVM). 

· Candidates with non-US degrees may be required to provide proof of degree equivalency. 

· A candidate may also be appointed to a postdoctoral position if the candidate has completed all of the requirements for a degree but the degree has not been formally conferred: in this case, 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.If the degree is not conferred by this projected date, the postdoctoral appointment may be terminated. 

· Note for international candidates: Generally, immigration classifications (e.g., H-1B, J-1, etc.) require that the requisite degree be conferred before a petition can be filed or a visa document issued to sponsor the individual. 

· 

· The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of appointment). 

· The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship, and may include teaching responsibilities. 

· The appointment is generally preparatory for a full time academic or research career. 

· The appointment is not part of a clinical training program, unless research training under the supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. 

· The Postdoctoral Appointee functions under the supervision of a mentor or a department at Duke University. 

· The Postdoctoral Appointee is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment. 

EXPECTATION: 

· The conscientious discharge of research or scholarship responsibilities,which may include teaching responsibilities for Postdoctoral Associates 

· Conformance to standards of responsible conduct in research 

· Compliance with good scholarly and research practice 

· Maintenance of a laboratory notebook and/or other comparable records of research activity, which remains the property of Duke University upon termination 

· Adherence to University standards regarding use of isotopes, chemicals,infectious agents, animals, human subjects, and the like 

· Open and timely discussion with the mentor regarding all facets of the Postdoctoral Appointee's research activities. 

· Postdoctoral Appointees are encouraged to consult the AAMC Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors for suggested guidelines for the Postdoctoral Appointee-mentor relationship 

· Prompt disclosure to the mentor regarding the possession and desire to distribute materials, reagents, software, copyrightable and potentially patentable discoveries derived from the Postdoctoral Appointee's research. 

· Collegial conduct towards members of the research group and others as described in the Duke University School of Medicine Honor Code of Professional Conduct and other relevant conduct policies pertaining to other schools at Duke University. 

· Compliance with all applicable University and departmental policies and procedures. 

This post-doc position will investigate cellular and molecular basis of neuromuscular growth,regeneration, and aging. 

The Chakkalakal lab in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Cell Biology at Duke University is seeking to fill a postdoctoral position studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuromuscular growth, regeneration, and aging. 

Requirements: 

· PhD(or near PhD completion) in biological sciences or related field. 

· Scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals. 

· Background:Experience or motivation to conduct FACS, single cell analysis, and bioinformatics desirable. 

· Skills:Experience or motivation to conduct immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, gene expression analysis, and the interrogation of signaling. Experience in bioinformatics and R analysis will be an asset. Excellent communication skills. 

Terms and conditions: 

· Conduct research with the goal of submitting high-quality manuscript(s). Salary is available for 3 years, renewed annually according to progress and continued funding. The candidate is expected to be competitive for external funding. 

Duke University School of Medicine includes the research efforts of basic and clinical faculty members in 38 departments, centers, institutes and initiatives. Their combined efforts make Duke one of the largest biomedical research enterprises in the world. Duke Department of Orthopedic Surgery places a strong emphasis on research excellence, focused on generating and implementing new knowledge to improve rehabilitation and musculoskeletal care for people throughout the world. This cutting-edge research spans from fundamental biology to population-based investigations. Many of our researchers have relationships with Duke University’s fundamental science departments and research institutes through joint or secondary appointments, facilitating links to the wealth of high-quality researchers and core facilities throughout Duke’s campus. 

To apply: 

· Please send to the PI: [email protected] 

1) a cover letter highlighting research interests, goals and previous scientific contributions; 

2) a CV listing education, publications, meeting presentations and any other skills of interest; 

3) at least 2 reference contacts. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

See job description for requirements.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

See job description for education requirements.

Experience

See job description for requirements.

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Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.