RESEARCH SCIENTIST

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 2,600 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.

A Research Scientist position is available in the Department of Neurosurgery at Duke University. The position will also aid the overall research program spanning bench to bedside with a multidisciplinary team within surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and palliative care. Key features of this role include (1) coordination, growth and development of the program’s translational research portfolio, (2) grant writing assistance for local, federal and/or foundation grants pertinent to the program, and (3) oversight of clinically-annotated banked tissues from patient samples treated at Duke for brain and spine metastases.

We are seeking motivated individuals to investigate the mechanisms of metastatic progression to the bone and spine. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative environment with other scientists in the Departments of Neurosurgery. This position will specifically 1) investigate the genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with primary and metastatic spine and bone disease, 2) characterize tumor-specific, tumor microenvironment associated changes and immune cell changes in hormone-responsive cancers using molecular approaches with the goal of characterizing novel biomarkers and signatures associated with metastatic spine disease 3) investigating pre-clinical models of novel therapeutics.

The Research Scientist will be responsible for:

• Performing a variety of routine molecular biology (e.g., isolation of nucleic acids, PCR, ELISAs) and microbiology techniques.
• Maintaining mouse models (e.g., routine husbandry, genotyping, maintaining inventory), administering compounds to mice (injections, oral gavage), performing dissections to isolate and characterize organs, spines, bones, lymphocytes from various tissues, and conducting relevant animal models of disease (e.g., mammary fat pad, subcutaneous, intracardiac, tail vein, orthotopic brain and spine transgeneic and syngeneic models).
• Assisting with planning specific research procedures across laboratory and animal facilities.
• Carry-out literature review to guide research.
• Perform standard technical procedures such as PCR, qPCR, and electrophoresis, etc.
• Perform DNA extraction from human clinical specimens, fresh-frozen and/or paraffin-embedded tissue and aid in execution of experimental design and analysis of next generation sequencing data.
• Organize and perform integrative analysis of complex genetic and morphologic data, including computational and/or statistical analysis. Developing and troubleshooting new techniques and processing samples for appropriate downstream data analysis.
• Maintaining organized and up-to-date records of results and methodologies.
• Compiling and helping analyze data, preparing charts, graphs, and results of studies.
• Helping the lab run safely and efficiently, including ordering supplies, maintaining safety approvals, and managing equipment. • Establish and execute a validation/verification plan in light of biomarker discovery.
• Aid with drafting LOI’s, (2) preparing IRB applications, (3) preparing budgets, (4) interfacing with industry or foundation partners to develop concepts, (5) submitting protocols for scientific and regulatory review, (6) helping process amendments, (7) assisting with abstract, posters, and manuscript drafts (including reference management and submission of materials).
• Position will be involved in training and education of neurosurgery residents, medical and graduate students in the School of Medicine, and undergraduates under the leadership of the Director of Spine Oncology. 

Requirements: 

PhD (or doctoral degree equivalent) in Cancer Biology, Genetics, or Cell Biology with a track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals. Candidates with strong interest in clinical diagnostic molecular genetics, expertise in tumor biology and/or animal models of metastasis are encouraged to apply. The position entails a one- to five-year period, with extension contingent on performance and funding.   

• Ability to perform molecular & cellular protocols and mouse models, cloning, mutagenesis, standard biochemistry for protein analysis, viral-based protocol.
• Qualifying competencies include excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Analytical skills to resolve complex problems requiring the use of scientific, mathematical, or technical principles and in-depth, experienced-based knowledge.
• Experience with the care and handling of mice, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques is preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills, creativity, self-motivation, ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Willingness and ability to take on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in Bioinformatics is a plus·
• Strong written and communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, communication and organizational skills.
• Flexibility, motivation, and ability to work independently.

How to Apply: 

To apply, please e-mail a single PDF file that includes the following to [email protected]
• A cover letter that describes your research and career goals, and your expertise or experience related to: a) molecular cloning OR b) post-translational regulation of protein/gene expression & function
• A curriculum vitae, including a publication list with a brief (2-3 sentence) description of your contributions to published work.
• Names and contact information for 3-5 references.

See job description for requirements.

See job description for requirements.

See job description for education requirements.

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.