POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

School of Medicine:

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation’s top medical schools. Ranked tenth among its peers, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where traditional barriers are low, interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced, and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve humanhealth locally and around the globe.

Comprised of 2,400 faculty physicians and researchers, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing and Duke University Health System create Duke Health. Duke Health is a world-class health care network. Founded in 1998 to provide efficient, responsive care, the health system offers a full network of health services and encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Private Diagnostic Clinic, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Please note: Position is for one year to start with extensions contingent on performance, funding, and needs of the lab.

The Luftig laboratory at Duke University School of Medicine seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in virology, molecular cell biology, and/or biochemistry to join our research group studying oncogenic viruses.

https://sites.duke.edu/luftiglab/research/

Our lab focuses on how the human herpesvirus, EBV, co-opts cellular signaling pathways and transcriptional networks to drive activation and uncontrolled proliferation of human B cells. Our work models the earliest steps in viral oncogenesis and aims to understand how the establishment of EBV latency mimics normal B-cell activation and maturation.

We use many different complementary approaches to study the interaction between EBV and the host. We are open to new ideas and creative approaches to tackle the most challenging problems in the field. We have superb shared resources at Duke, including collaborators, that elevate our work by providing technical advice and unique perspectives to approaching biological problems. Our recent accomplishments include:

• Discovery of a new temporal model for EBV transformation – defining regulation of survival and transcriptional control from initial infection through latency establishment in primary human B cells (Price, eLife 2017; Price, PLoS Path 2015, Price, J Virol 2012)
• Defining the innate tumor suppressor barriers to EBV-mediated B-cell transformation including the DNA damage response (DDR), activated as a consequence of metabolic stress and limiting deoxyribonucleotide pools (Hafez, Oncogenesis 2017; McFadden, PNAS 2016; Luftig, Ann Rev Virol 2014; Nikitin, Cell Host and Microbe, 2010)

New projects in the lab also include studies of the interplay between EBV and Plasmodium falciparum leading to endemic Burkitt lymphoma, gastric epithelial carcinogenesis, single cell studies of B-cell infection and live-cell imaging.

The laboratory provides a robust training environment for postdocs and other trainees. It is of the utmost importance that rigorous scientific inquiry be supported with equally rigorous mentoring. This includes opportunities to present your work both internally and at regional, national, and international meetings; an expectation of training junior lab members as techniques and concepts are mastered; and a strategic plan for career development whether in academia or beyond.

Applicants must apply online to be considered for the position and should submit their curriculum vitae, summary of past work, and contact information for three references.

Min Degree Requirements: A relevant PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctorate. If the candidate has completed all of the requirements for a degree, but the degree has not been formally conferred 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. Other Credential/Experiential Requirements: This position is limited to those with no more than 5 years combined of Duke and external postdoctoral experience, or no more than 4 years of Duke experience if that is the only postdoctoral experience.