POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Occupational Summary

The David Lab at Duke University (www.ladlab.org) is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to join an established research group developing and applying DNA sequencing and computational approaches to understand the interconnections between nutrition, health, food systems, and society. Our lab has pioneered genomics techniques that objectively track dietary intake across hundreds of plant and animal species, generating standardized data that works effectively across diverse languages and cultural contexts while eliminating traditional barriers of recall bias. These methods are being deployed in populations across North Carolina and globally, yielding insights into dietary patterns, disease risk, and socioeconomic determinants of health.

We are particularly interested in a candidate who could contribute to either or both of these research directions:

1. Expanding a major initiative to analyze global dietary patterns through DNA sequencing of biospecimens, building on our lab's established methodologies and international collaborations.
2. Developing novel computational tools that use recent advances in artificial intelligence to automate and enhance bioinformatic analyses.

These projects are supported by awards from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the National Institutes of Health, the Gerber Foundation, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, and Schmidt Futures.

Our lab emphasizes individualized mentorship, with regular one-on-one guidance from Dr. David in manuscript and grant writing. Successful candidates will have opportunities to mentor graduate students and develop independent research directions that can seed future independent positions.

Work Performed

Depending on candidate interests and expertise, projects may involve:

• Analysis of global dietary patterns using genomic approaches, including development of new computational tools for processing large-scale biospecimen data
• Creation of novel machine learning frameworks for automated scientific analysis and discovery
• Design and implementation of citizen science initiatives, including outreach programs, sample collection protocols, IRB compliance, participant recruitment, and data return strategies
• Collaboration with international partners and local teams at Duke's Microbiome Center, Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, and Department of Biomedical Engineering
• Partnership with nearby research groups at UNC Chapel Hill and NC State University conducting related genomic and nutrition studies

Minimum Qualifications

We seek candidates with doctoral degrees in relevant fields including:

• Molecular biology with expertise in genomics, metabolomics, or microbiome analysis
• Computer science, particularly machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, or computational biology
• Mathematics or statistics, with experience in large-scale data analysis
• Related fields such as nutrition, anthropology, or environmental science
• Project management experience, particularly in coordinating multi-site studies or citizen science initiatives

We neither expect nor require expertise across all areas above. Still, we particularly value interdisciplinary thinkers who can bridge multiple domains. Strong programming skills and experience with genomic data analysis are preferred for computational work. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate intellectual creativity, scientific rigor, and enthusiasm for collaborative research. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive research environment and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

DEFINITION: The Postdoctoral Appointee holds a PhD or equivalent doctorate (e.g. ScD, MD, DVM). Candidates with non-US degrees may be required to provide proof of degree equivalency.1. A candidate may also be appointed to a postdoctoral position if the candidate has completed all of the requirements for a degree but the degree has not been formally conferred: in this case, the candidate may present evidence of completion of the degree requirements, together with a statement documenting the date on which the degree is to be conferred. If the degree is not conferred by this projected date, the postdoctoral appointment may be terminated.2. Note for international candidates: Generally, immigration classifications (e.g., H-1B, J-1, etc.) require that the requisite degree be conferred before a petition can be filed or a visa document issued to sponsor the individual. The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5of the Postdoc Policy for length of appointment). The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship and may include teaching responsibilities. The appointment is generally preparatory for a full-time academic or research career. The appointment is not part of a clinical training program, unless research training under the supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral Appointee functions under the supervision of a mentor or a department at Duke University. The Postdoctoral Appointee is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment. 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 Their 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 procedures.