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 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.

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. M. Anthony (Tony) Moody to design and execute immune monitoring studies of vaccine candidates targeting influenza virus and to perform immune monitoring studies of non-human primates stimulated by infection and vaccination. This work is being performed to support two funded programs: an influenza vaccine development contract (CIVICs) and a P01 grant studying the fundamental immunology of influenza antibody responses. We are seeking a motivated candidate who can work independently.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently design and execute proof-of-concept experiments, including major and complex scientific projects.
• 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.
• Perform molecular biology experiments including isolation of immune cells from blood and other immune tissues using flow cytometry-based sorting, and isolation and characterization of B cell-derived recombinant antibodies.
• Analyze and interpret data; electronically (and written, when applicable) archive experiments in a manner that is scientifically justifiable, reliable and understandable to others.
• Provide guidance and oversight to junior scientists and trainees.
• Compile, analyze, document, and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results.
• Confer with the principal investigator to review work assignments and study timelines.
• Work closely with lab manager and program managers to make sure deliverables are met in a timely manner.
• Graphical analysis of data for presentation at meetings and to communicate results to colleagues, leadership, and the scientific community conferences; and to generate publication-quality figures and tables.
• Modify as necessary 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 and lab manager.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• A Ph.D. in biological sciences with preferred background in molecular biology and immunology.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Prior research experience using multi-color flow cytometry, cell culture, and ELISA/ELLA, preferred.
• Must be team oriented, work independently 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. Tony Moody at [email protected] and Dr. Letitia Jones 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 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.

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.