POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Position Description: 

A Postdoctoral Associate position is availability in the Donnelly laboratory for motivated individuals who have a strong interest in pursuing translational research focused on pain, inflammation, and immunity. Our laboratory uses preclinical models in conjunction with patient-derived samples and data to study the biology and physiology of sensory neurons and immune cells in health and disease states. We are seeking someone who can immediately contribute to an NIH-funded project exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating pain in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) - the most common type of orofacial pain condition. This project involves a variety of cutting-edge techniques, including single cell RNA-sequencing, in vivo calcium imaging of live sensory neurons, behavioral phenotyping in preclinical models, flow cytometry, confocal and light sheet microscopy, and many other standard molecular/biochemical techniques. 

Principal Responsibilities: 

• The candidate will work under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI) to assist in the development and implementation of research protocols in the above project areas and assist in daily project management. 

• Candidates will be expected to be highly mentally engaged in their project, and should possess the ability to design, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments independently with minimal input from the PI. Candidates are expected to have a significant hand in the overall scope and execution of their scientific project. 

• Candidates should also be willing to conduct experiments using human-derived biofluids and tissues, and complete relevant biosafety and IRB training when requested. 

• Attendance at lab meetings, project meetings, relevant collaborative meetings, and Center/Departmental research seminars/events is also expected. 

• Applicants will be expected to maintain high-fidelity records and documentation of all research and professional activities and conduct themselves with high moral and ethical principles, congruent with policies outlined by the Duke Office of Scientific Integrity. 

• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and Powerpoint is expected. Proficiency using additional software such as Graphpad/Prism, ImageJ, Imaris, R, and other relevant software is not required but is advantageous. Applicants should also have familiarity with basic statistical methods. 

• The applicant will be expected to have verbal and written communication skills which are suitable to achieve their project responsibilities. Prior experience with scientific writing, including both grant and manuscript writing, is highly preferred. 

Minimum Education/Degree Requirements: 

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., D.D.S/D.M.D.) in a biomedical sciences-related discipline, preferably in a neuroscience, pharmacology, cellular/molecular biology, immunology, or bioinformatics. 

• All candidates will need to send their current CV, cover letter, and a list of 3references who can speak to the candidate’s suitability for this position. 

Other Credential/Experiential Requirements: The incumbent must be a true post-doctoral fellow registered with the Post Doc Office and per the following requirements: 

The term of this appointment is limited (5 years with a possible extension for an additional year) 

The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship, which may include teaching responsibilities. 

The appointment is viewed as preparatory for a full time academic or research career. 

The appointment is not part of a clinical research training program, unless research training under the supervision of a senior mentor is a primary purpose of the appointment. 

The appointee works under the supervision of a scholar or a department at Duke University. 

The appointee has the freedom and is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.