Postdoctoral Associate

at  Duke University

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.

DESCRIPTION

A postdoctoral Associate position is available in the Dou lab at Duke University in the Department of Integrative Immunobiology. The Dou Lab is a newly established laboratory studying the genetic pathways and mechanisms underlying autoimmunity from a lncRNA and epigenetic gene regulation perspective. We utilize biochemical assays, tissue culture, mouse transplantation & disease modeling experiments, FACS/flow cytometry, and single cell multiomics among other assays to resolve the role of lncRNAs, such as Xist, in establishing, maintaining, and disrupting immune tolerance.
The successful candidate will be expected to work both independently and as part of a team and positively contribute to a highly collaborative environment. Specific projects pertaining to this position include defining and mapping the critical gene and cellular networks by which the Xist lncRNA ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) promote autoimmune diseases (see Dou et al., Cell 2024, for more background). This work will consist of wet lab, mouse models, and translational research experiments involving patient samples. Postdocs in the Dou lab are also expected to assist with graduate student training and mentorship, maintain good communication with lab members, and present research findings at scientific meetings. Recent or soon-to-be Ph.D. awardees are encouraged to apply.

SKILLS

This position is geared for the highly motivated individual with a preferred background in RNA biology and/or immunology and wet lab experience. Successful candidates for this position must display self-initiative and motivation, teamwork, excellent communication, data processing, organizational, written and oral presentation, and problem-solving skills. Experience in animal handling and/or high throughput sequencing analysis is strongly preferred.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in biosciences
• English proficiency
• Publication(s) in a peer-reviewed journal

Please refer the Job description for details