RESEARCH SCIENTIST

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Occupational Summary

The Ashley Laboratory is seeking a Research Scientist to join our neuro-oncology research program. This role will lead collaborative projects related to the interplay between glioma-associated genetic mutations and the induction of inflammation in the glioma microenvironment.

Our studies focus on the role of inflammatory signaling in malignant gliomas, with an emphasis on the identification and validation of novel immunotherapeutic strategies. We use a diverse combination of experimental approaches, including next-generation DNA/RNA sequencing, genetically engineered cell lines, and mouse brain tumor models to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying brain tumor biology and anti-tumor immunity. Our overarching goal is to use novel biological insights to deliver better therapies and care to brain tumor patients.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3-5 years of research experience in cellular and molecular biology and mouse models of disease. Candidates should have a proven track record of peer-reviewed first-author publications in respected journals. Previous experience in cancer biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and cancer genomics would be helpful. We also encourage candidates who are trained in other fields, such as developmental biology, immunology, and neuroscience, to apply these positions if they feel their skill sets are translatable to the goals described above. Strong mentoring support is available from Dr. Ashley and senior faculty in the Duke Brain Tumor Center to write and win highly competitive postdoctoral grants, including track records of success with trainees winning F32, K22, and K99 grants.

Requirements:

• Doctoral degree in molecular biology with an emphasis on cancer cell biology.
• Minimum 5 years of postdoctoral life science research experience.
• Experience working with mouse models of disease. Direct experience with brain tumor models is a plus.
• Technical aptitude for learning and executing complex experimental techniques for molecular biology, cell-based assays, and rodent procedures.
• Ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges and act with urgency to resolve critical project issues.
• Ability to handle administrative responsibilities (e.g. ordering, inventory) as needed.
• Impeccable experimental documentation and organized record-keeping skills, ideally with experience using an electronic notebook.
• Familiarity with the development of laboratory protocols for SOPs, grants, IACUC, IBC and IRB documents.
• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment in a fast-paced lab.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct a variety of investigations including planning, development, and implementation of experimental procedures as well as data analysis under supervision of senior scientists to contribute to research projects in the Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke.
• Independently perform bench work and mammalian cell culture/cell-based assays of tumor cell growth and response to therapeutic agents.
• Learn and conduct mouse surgeries and subsequent animal health monitoring for intracranial tumors models.
• Prepare common lab solutions, reagents, and tissue specimens for complex procedures.
• Evaluate and interpret collected data and prepare reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions.
• Review scientific literature to keep abreast of new developments and to obtain information regarding previous experiments to aid in the design and development of original procedures and techniques.
• Maintain up-to-date laboratory inventories of critical reagents/chemicals, cell lines, plasmid constructs, supplies, etc., and ordering additional items as needed.
• Assist with writing large research grants (e.g. NIH R01) and independently write and secure external grants from federal sources and/or foundations (e.g. NIH, DoD, American Cancer Society).
• Communicate scientific results to colleagues, mentors, and the broader scientific community

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

See job description for requirements.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

Doctoral degree in molecular biology with an emphasis on cancer cell biology.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of postdoctoral life science research experience.
• Experience working with mouse models of disease. Direct experience with brain tumor models is a plus.

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