POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

This position is fully grant funded

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.

Postdoctoral Associate

Williams Lab

OVERVIEW

Here at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI), we value collaborations, and pride ourselves in providing an excellent environment for academic and professional growth. DHVI is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental institute dedicated to the study of basic and translational science required to understand host-pathogen interactions that can be translated to therapies and vaccines against human diseases. We are a team of highly interactive investigators that have expertise in immunology, molecular biology, virology, microbiology, structural biology, computational biology, and human clinical vaccine science.

This position will work under the leadership of Dr. Williams to design and execute immune monitoring studies of candidate vaccines against infectious diseases in human clinical trials. Currently, we have a variety of HIV-1 vaccines in human clinical trials and are seeking a candidate who will be motivated and have the ability to work independently on these studies. Additionally, we have developing studies to understand B cell immunity to tumors and thus identify novel cancer immunotherapies in collaboration with researchers in the Duke Cancer Institute. This candidate will apply similar technologies used for immune monitoring of HIV-1 clinical trials in Cancer Immunology. Thus, we are seeking a Postdoctoral Associate who is enthusiastic and willing to undertake multiple projects that will improve our understanding of host immunity that govern HIV-1 vaccine development, and pursue Cancer Immunology studies that can identify novel immunotherapies against tumors.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently lead and execute major and complex scientific projects within the Williams  laboratory, serve as the point person for assigned projects and coordinate collaborative science among investigators within DHVI and externally to effectively meet the scientific milestones and project deadlines.
• Molecular biology studies including isolation of immune cells from blood and other immune tissues using flow cytometry-based soting, and isolation and characterization of B cell-derived recombinant antibodies
• Analyze and interpret data; archive experiments in a manner that is scientifically justifiable, reliable and understandable to others; and provide guidance and oversight to junior scientists
• Compile, analyze, document, and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results. Confer with the principal investigator to review work assignments and study timelines.
• Graphical analysis of data for presentation at meetings and conferences, and to generate publication-quality figures and tables
• Make modifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques to meet the needs of the particular project
• Understand and comply with all safety standards and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all laboratory staff.
• Perform routine lab maintenance, cleaning, organizing, and restocking supplies.
  • Includes keeping lab equipment, chemicals reagents and supplies in excellent order.
• Collaborate with other staff and perform other duties as requested by the Principal Investigator

EDUCATION, SKILLS, & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in biological sciences with preferred background in molecular biology and immunology.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be team oriented and able to work effectively in a highly collaborative work environment
• Must be able to manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities and have the ability to learn and apply new skills and concepts
• Must be detail-oriented and well-organized

How to Apply: 

Interested applicants should email CV, brief statement of research interests and names & contact information for three references to Dr. Wilton Williams at [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 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.