POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

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 Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University Medical Center is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral associate to study stress adaptation in the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus. The position entails a 3-year commitment, contract renewed annually, contingent on performance, availability of funding and needs of the lab.

This position will involve performing a variety of research, communication and supervisory duties to support the laboratory of Dr. Asiya Gusa.

The Gusa Lab studies stress adaptation in the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus. The goal of our research is to understand how environmental fungi adapt in response to stress to survive the environment-to-host transition, develop drug resistance and cause persistent human disease. We employ a variety of molecular biology/genetics techniques (phenotypic assays, whole-genome sequencing, quantitative PCR, microscopy, etc.) to characterize the genetic and cellular changes that occur in Cryptococcus in response to environmental cues such as heat stress, changes in pH and nutrient availability.

We are seeking a highly motivated, collaborative and detail-oriented individual with a demonstrated interest in microbiology and/or genetics research to join our team.

The ideal candidate would be interested in joining the lab no later than the Fall of 2024 with a minimum 3-year commitment, contract renewed annually. New graduates are encouraged to apply.

Description of research, communication and supervisory activities:

The successful candidate will have the demonstrated ability to perform, or be willing to learn, the following tasks in a BSL-2 (biosafety level 2) research laboratory:

1. Technical duties conducted routinely in a microbial genetics/molecular biology lab including cell culture, DNA extraction, PCR, cloning, drug resistance assays, sequencing and microscopy. Duties may include animal models of infection (mouse or moth larvae), depending on interest.

2. Documentation and analysis of all research activities in a digital lab notebook; preparation of images, figures and spreadsheets for data analysis with proper statistical analyses.

3. Communication of research in weekly written reports and lab meeting presentations.

4. Manuscript writing for publication of scientific research and literature reviews.

5. Presentation of scientific research at departmental seminars, conferences, meetings and workshops.

6. Oversight of lab members on research projects.

7. Assist with writing federal and foundation grants (NIH-R01s, NSF, DoD, etc.) and independently apply for fellowships (NIH-F32 fellowship, Tri-I MMPTP fellowship and foundation grants).

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

Completion of PhD requirements or similar doctorate in biology, microbiology, genetics or other directly related scientific field and prior experience working with fungal pathogens in a BSL-2 laboratory.

Experience

Previous laboratory experience with basic molecular biology techniques (i.e., sterile technique, pipetting, media preparation) is required. Ability to plan and execute experiments, troubleshoot complex tasks, and prioritize research projects effectively. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and independently is also required. Must be detail-oriented, well-organized and have strong oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to work well with a diverse, interactive team.

Candidates proficient in R or with skills/interest in computational biology are highly encouraged to apply. Experience with mouse or other animal models is also desirable.

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.
1. 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.
2. 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.