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 2,500 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.
The Tata lab in the Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine seeks a full-time Postdoctoral Associate to study cellular plasticity mechanisms in lung injury repair and tumorigenesis. We seek to understand the genetic and epigenetic basis of organ regeneration and tumorigenesis. We study the properties of stem/progenitor cells in diverse epithelial tissues (with a primary focus on lung) and their relationships with neighboring tissues in pathophysiological conditions. We utilize in vivo mouse genetics, live imaging, 3D organoids, genome-wide Cas9/Crispr based functional genetic screening, and next generation sequencing technologies to study the behavior of tissues at single cell level. We offer an inspiring intellectual, collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment to support your career goals and provide access to state-of-the-art facilities. Candidates with background knowledge and hands-on experience in transcriptional regulation, 3D-organoids and bioinformatics skills are particularly welcome.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A PhD or MD/PhD (or equivalent) in biological sciences (cell & developmental biology or a related field).
• Strong research background in transcriptional regulation, cell biology, molecular biology, mouse models of cancer, and/or biochemistry. Prior experience in stem cells, Cas9/Crispr gene editing, 3D-organoid cultures, chromatin biology and bioinformatics is advantageous.
• Evidence of successful completion of a research project (publications).
• Ability to work independently; interpret, present and discuss experimental data.
• Excellent communications skills
  This will be a minimum one-year appointment, contingent upon satisfactory annual reviews. Salary is commensurate with NIH guidelines and applicant experience. The position is located at the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, NC. To apply, please send a CV, statement of interest, relevant manuscripts, and names of three references to purushothamarao.tata@duke.edu and apply for the position online.

EXPECTATION:

• The conscientious discharge of research or scholarship responsibilities, which may include teaching responsibilities for Postdoctoral Associates.
• Conformance to standards of responsible conduct in research.
• Compliance with good scholarly and research practice.
• Maintenance of a laboratory notebook and/or other comparable records of research activity, which remains the property of Duke University upon termination.
• Adherence to University standards regarding use of isotopes, chemicals, infectious agents, animals, human subjects, and the like.
• Open and timely discussion with the mentor regarding all facets of the Postdoctoral Appointee’s research activities. Postdoctoral Appointees are encouraged to consult the AAMC Compact between Postdoctoral Appointees and Mentors for suggested guidelines for the Postdoctoral Appointee-mentor relationship.
• Prompt disclosure to the mentor regarding the possession and desire to distribute materials, reagents, software, copyrightable and potentially patentable discoveries derived from the Postdoctoral Appointee’s research.
• Collegial conduct towards members of the research group and others as described in the Duke University School of Medicine Honor Code of Professional Conduct and other relevant conduct policies pertaining to other schools at Duke University.
• Compliance with all applicable University and departmental policies and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. See job description for requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Duke University 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

EDUCATION

See job description for education requirements.

EXPERIENCE

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.

• Design and perform experiments. Analyze, interpret and discuss experimental data with PI.
• Apply for funding (postdoctoral fellowship opportunities and contribute to larger lab grants).
• Write and submit manuscripts and postdoctoral fellowship applications.
• Help other lab members particularly graduate and undergraduate students.