POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

The Kishnani Preclinical Research Team is seeking a post-doctoral fellow or associate to join their team in the Department of Pediatrics Division of Medical Genetics. The postdoc’s research projects will focus on inherited metabolic disorders, specifically glycogen storage diseases (GSDs). The postdoc will contribute to the understanding of the neurologic manifestations and central nervous system (CNS) pathology in GSDs as we are working towards developing novel therapeutic approaches. This postdoc will collaborate with different research team members on other research projects, planning and executing various molecular and histological experiments that will aid in advancing the understanding of CNS involvement in GSDs. This postdoc position requires a minimum two-year commitment and will consist of an in-lab working arrangement. 

Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter detailing their interests and relevant experience(s) in addition to a copy of their resume. 

Requirements: 

- PhD or MD/PhD in a relevant field 

- In-depth knowledge of the central nervous system and a strong background in metabolic disorders are required. 

- Extensive laboratory experience, particularly in immunohistochemistry of the central nervous system, is essential. Candidates should have proficiency in immunostaining techniques, working with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, basic histological image interpretation, and fluorescence microscopy. 

- Proficiency in handling laboratory mice, including animal care, tissue collection, and conducting in vivo experiments, is essential. 

- Demonstration of conducting translational research in the past (publications with first authorship and/or scientific/medical writing in peer-reviewed journals and platform/poster presentations in conferences/seminars) will be required 

- Previous experience with analyzing and interpreting statistical data is an asset 

- Must be able to accurately translate research findings and relevant literature to a target audience 

- Must be able to follow all the instructions under each journal’s authorship guidelines for submitting an article 

- Demonstration of the following skills: 

o Excellent communication skills and an ability to work well with others 

o Self-motivated with a strong work ethic 

o Detail-oriented and possesses strong planning and organizational skills 

o Excellent writing and problem-solving skills 

o Strong critical thinking and independent experimental design skills 

Responsibilities: 

- Be involved in conducting primary research, managing and storing research data, and analyzing data 

- Conduct systematic literature reviews, develop hypotheses, critically think, brainstorm new ideas with the research team, and develop/optimize experimental protocols 

- Regularly collaborate with multiple experts at and outside of Duke, fellow postdocs, and the rest of the Kishnani clinical/lab research teams 

- Communicate and present research findings at divisional meetings, international conferences, project meetings, and weekly lab meetings 

- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals in the form of research articles 

- Possess the knowledge of basic research integrity, values of ownership of a research project, and follow timelines to achieve deliverables. Training on responsible conduct of research (RCR) and the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program) for conducting research will be provided at Duke.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

See job description for education requirements.

Experience

See job description for requirements.

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