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.

Summary:

The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct independent research activities under the guidance of a faculty mentor, Dr. Michael R. Zalutsky, in preparation for a full time academic or research career.

This position involves the synthesis of complex organic and biomolecules that will be used in targeted radiotherapy research.  Some of the work involves chiral separations and an understanding of medicinal chemistry strategies and their implementation is critical.  The final products will be used for radiochemistry optimization, a task that will require input and participation by the individual in this position.  Some flexibility in work hours will be helpful in order to dovetail with other lab members studying the labeled compound in cell culture and animal preclinical models of cancer.

The overall objective of Dr. Zalutsky’s laboratory is the development of novel radioactive compounds for improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This work primarily involves radiohalo-genation of biomolecules via site-specific approaches, generally via demetallation reactions. Radionuclides utilized for imaging include I-123, I-124 and F-18, the later two being of particular interest because they can be used for the quantification of biochemical and physiological processes in the living human through positron emission tomography. The candidate will have an opportunity to contribute to and shape several ongoing projects within the lab.

Work Performed (i.e. Duties):

• 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.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Qualifications:

Education:

• 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.

Experience: N/A

Preferred Skills:

• Synthetic organic chemistry

• Handling radioactivity

• Radiochemistry of Astatine-211

Job Code: 00003820 POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE
Job Level: 00

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job 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.