POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

This Position is Grant Funded

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.

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

AZOITEI LAB – DUKE HUMAN VACCINE INSTITUTE

The Azoitei Lab at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI), is currently recruiting for a Postdoctoral Associate to join our team. DHVI is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental institute dedicated to the study of basic and translational science required to understand host-pathogen interactions that can be translated into vaccines against human diseases. We are a team of highly interactive investigators that have expertise in immunology, molecular biology, virology, microbiology, structural biology, computational biology, and vaccine science.

Research in the Azoitei lab is focused on two synergistic areas that are critical for the development of vaccines against highly infectious pathogens: 1) rational immunogen design for the induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies and 2) determining the biophysical properties of antigens that lead to B cell activation and development for antibody secretion. For immunogen design, we employ a rational, structure-based approach that utilizes state-of-the-art computational protein design algorithms and high-throughput library screening on the surface of yeast and mammalian cells. We are currently developing vaccines against HIV, influenza, and emergent coronaviruses. To study B cell signaling in response to antigens, we utilize molecular tools (fluorescent biosensors and optogenetic probes) to visualize and control the activity of key signaling molecules in live cell microscopy experiments. All our work benefits from collaborations with structural biologists, immunologists and virologists.

Candidates interested in any of the research areas of the lab are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. degree, with a strong background in structural biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or immunology. Work in our lab involves computational modeling, molecular biology, protein engineering, recombinant protein expression and purification, high-throughput library screening, tissue culture, and microscopy. Expertise with some of these techniques is required. The ideal candidate will be creative, motivated, and have the ability to work independently.

DHVI Postdoctoral Associates work in concert with Duke faculty and staff in an invigorating research training environment. One of our primary scientific missions is to support and train early-stage investigators to be the next generation of scientific leaders equipped to identify and implement solutions for improving human health worldwide. DHVI functions as a vaccine development biotechnology enterprise, embedded within a top university. As a trainee, you will interact with highly innovative and collaborative investigators and have the opportunity to master state-of-the-art technologies. We are committed to providing an outstanding training environment and research experiences that will enhance your career and provide you an avenue to incorporate your education, expertise, initiative and dedication to the success of your studies. This is an opportunity to become part of a winning team that is working to discover novel ways to prevent infectious diseases.

To be considered for this position, your application materials should include a CV, the contact information for 3 references, and a cover letter describing in one paragraph your past research, why you are interested in our work, and how joining the Azoitei lab at DHVI fits within your future career objectives.  We will contact you if we are interested in exploring your application in more detail.

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