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.

Position Description: Our research focuses on identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms of immunosuppression and immunotoxin-mediated antitumor response in in vitro and animal models of brain tumors. We aim to translate our pre-clinical findings to improve outcomes in patients with brain tumors. Our research is funded by Federal and foundation grants.

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to perform cutting-edge immunology and molecular biology research utilizing tumor tissue, animal models, omics research, cell-based immune assays, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry studies. This candidate will work alongside a talented team of research technicians and analysts.  

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute project plans to evaluate therapeutic efficacies of combination immunotherapy & elucidate the role of tumor immune microenvironment in predicting responses to combination immunotherapies using tumor tissue and immunocompetent mouse models.
• Assist with animal surgeries for pre-clinical studies, primarily intracranial tumor implantation and localized delivery of therapeutics.
• Perform in vitro tumor tissue treatment and post-treatment analysis by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry to assess therapy response.
• Independently perform cell culture and molecular biology work.
• Generate graphs, slides, protocols, and manuscripts for publication.
• Assist with writing federal and foundation grants (NIH-R01s, DoD, etc.) and independently apply for fellowships (NIH-F32 fellowship, DoD fellowship, and foundation grants).
• Communicate results to colleagues, leadership, and the scientific community.

Job Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, pathology,or a related field; immuno-genomics background is a plus 
• Experience using pre-clinical mouse models of disease preferred.
• Prior experience with multiparametric flow cytometry, histology, and data analysis is preferred.
• Prior experience with brain tumors is a plus.
• Ability to plan and execute experiments, troubleshoot complex tasks, and prioritize research projects effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a collaborative research team.
• Strong oral & written English communication skills demonstrated by publications and presentations.
• Less than five years of postdoctoral experience is preferred.
• Authorized to work in the US.

How to apply

• Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references.

See job description for requirements.

See job description for education requirements.

See job description for requirements.

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