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.

Occupational Summary

We are looking for an energetic and motivated individual to join our childhood cancer translational research team. We study a pediatric skeletal muscle solid tumor called rhabdomyosarcoma, and we have a mandate by the NIH to inform new therapies for this difficult-to-treat disease. Focus is on understanding how corrupt coding and non-coding (“dark genome”) genes that are part of developmental signaling pathways (Notch, Hippo) support tumorigenesis and might reveal novel therapeutic vulnerabilities. Every project incorporates the evaluation of novel pharmacologic agents to block rhabdomyosarcoma tumorigenesis and efforts to shepherd them to early phase clinical trials. We collaborate with investigators within Duke (Cell Biology and Pharmacology & Cancer Biology Departments) and along the East coast, so being independent and able to interface with multiple work groups is critical. We use biochemical, proteomic, cell biology, molecular biology, genomic, epigenomic, and mouse model approaches. We value teamwork, creativity, and resilience. A two-year commitment (or beyond) is preferred. See our lab’s website https://sites.duke.edu/corinnelinardiclab/.

Work Performed

· Perform literature reviews to guide research

· Design and execution of standard in vitro assays ongoing in the lab (transient or stable expression of cDNA/shRNAs/CRISPR, mutagenesis, IPs, immunoblotting, nucleic acid extractions, PCR, phenotype-based cell assays including proliferation, apoptosis, myogenic differentiation, etc)

· Design and implementation of in vitro and in vivo ‘omics screens, with input from the Duke Functional Genomics, Sequencing, and Proteomics cores

· Participation in in vivo murine pre-clinical studies (SQ and orthotopic xenografts) and tumor tissue analyses including immunohistochemistry and preparation for next-gen sequencing

· Application of statistically sound analyses

· Participating in drafting of LOIs, grant applications, abstracts, posters, and manuscripts

· Participating and presenting in domestic/international childhood cancer think thank meetings

· Functioning as a resource for early stage scientists (graduate students and technicians)

· Flexing one’s intellectual muscles to think out-of-the box for this difficult-to-cure cancer

Required Qualifications at this Level

· PhD (or doctoral degree equivalent) in Biochemistry, Genetics, or Cell/Molecular Biology with a record of publication in peer-reviewed journals (preferred). Candidates with expertise in cancer biology are encouraged to apply. The position entails a one to three-year period, with extension contingent on performance and funding.

· Ability to perform molecular & cellular protocols and mouse techniques, cloning, mutagenesis, standard biochemistry for protein analysis, lentiviral-based protocols

· Qualifying competencies include excellent oral and written communication skills.

· Excellent organizational skills, creativity, self-motivation, ability to work independently and as part of a team.

How to apply

Candidates with a PhD, MD or MD-PhD degree and a minimum of one first author publication should send their CV, a brief letter of research interest and a list of references to: Corinne Linardic, MD PhD, [email protected]

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

See job description for education requirements.

Experience

See job description for requirements.

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 essentialjob 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.