Associate in Research

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 276557

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: MEDICAL CENTER

Date: Oct 21, 2026

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.

Be You.

The Department of Anesthesiology at Duke University is seeking a highly motivated Associate in Research to join the laboratory of Dr. Madan Kwatra. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a leading laboratory specializing in Genomic Data Analysis.

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing genomic data analysis as well as research and laboratory activities, including overseeing laboratory operations in conjunction with Dr. Kwatra. You will also be expected to assist with manuscripts, data analysis, and future grant submissions.

Minimum Requirements

Science-related Master’s degree or terminal degree (e.g. Sc.D., M. D., D.V.M)
Incumbent must be engaged in scientific research that requires a scientific leadership role, and not

employed as a research staff member. Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to scientific rigor and integrity.
Ability to work under the mentorship and supervision of Duke University faculty while progressively developing research independence.

Other Requirements

Commitment to maintaining accurate research records and adhering to Duke University policies on scientific integrity and research conduct.
Active participation in laboratory meetings, collaborative research meetings, seminars, and departmental activities.

Work Arrangement

Onsite. The work is performed on-site at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

Be Bold.

Design and lead innovative research projects investigating peripheral adrenergic mechanisms involved in chronic pain, inflammation, and neuroinflammation.
Develop and implement experimental protocols using molecular, genetic, pharmacologic, and behavioral approaches in animal and human-based research models.
Analyze, interpret, and communicate research findings through scientific manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and grant applications.
Collaborate with faculty, trainees, and multidisciplinary research teams across basic science and clinical programs to advance translational pain research.
Pursue professional development and research independence by developing competitive extramural funding applications and career advancement plans.

Choose Duke.

At Duke Anesthesiology, you will join a nationally recognized research enterprise committed to advancing innovative solutions for complex pain disorders. Dr. Nackley’s laboratory offers a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where postdoctoral scholars have the opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and clinicians in both basic and translational research.

You will benefit from extensive mentorship, access to state-of-the-art research resources, and meaningful opportunities for career development, grant writing, scientific publication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As part of one of the nation's premier academic medical centers, you will contribute to discoveries that have the potential to improve the lives of patients living with chronic pain.

Duke is an 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 (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military 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.