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 2,500 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.

Molecular Analysis of Tinnitus

A fully funded postdoctoral position is available at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences of the Duke University School of Medicine https://headnecksurgery.duke.edu/ beginning in September 2023.  The on-going projects use our established tinnitus detection method in rodents to study cellular and molecular cascades in tinnitus. We apply a wide spectrum of approaches, including advanced molecular methods, state-of-the-art imaging, sophisticated gene delivery methods, and modern rodent behavioral tests.

The candidate must have a strong commitment to research and scientific ethics. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative and dynamic environment with outstanding resources to promote innovative research. The PI will work closely with the postdoc for her/his productivity and success, and mentor the postdoc to obtain her/his first federal grant. The applicants must be creative and capable of designing, conducting, and troubleshooting experiments independently, as well as working with interdisciplinary research teams in a highly professional manner. The candidate will be expected to analyze data, write manuscripts and grant applications.

The main project for this position is to investigate the neural pathways and molecular pathways involved in noise-induced tinnitus. Self-motivated individuals – who obtained a PhD or MD degree – are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate is expected to have a strong background in molecular analysis methods such as scRNA-seq and smFISH with proficient skills in confocal imaging techniques. Prior experience in mouse surgery and behavioral testing is highly desirable.

Work Performed

Lead research projects to identify neuronal pathways and molecular cascades for hearing loss and tinnitus based on single cell analysis methods. 

Manuscript preparation

Grant preparation

Training and supervision of research assistants in image processing

Collaborative work with other lab members

Participate in weekly lab meetings

Minimum Qualifications

Education

MD or PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, or related field

Experience

Prior experience writing science manuscripts

Ability to work both independently and as a contributing team member

Strong attention to detail and commitment to scientific integrity and high-quality research

Strong writing and communication skills

Quantitative data analysis skills

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.

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