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.

The Schumacher laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry at the Duke University School of Medicine seeks a Postdoctoral fellow with expertise in Cryo-EM data collection, data processing, generation of cryo-EM maps and model building. You should have a Ph.D. and have more than 2 years of experience in cryo-EM data processing and 3D map generation. You will work under the guidance of Dr. Maria Schumacher on a number of projects involving large complexes involved in protein-nucleic acid processes, with a particular focus on proteins and complexes important in microbial pathogenesis.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Generation of samples for cryo-EM data collection including protein expression and purification. 
• The main responsibility would, however, be generating cryo-EM samples, performing data collection and processing of cryo-EM data. 
• Setup of future hardware and software as the research technology is upgraded. 
• Providing lab members support in data collection, image processing, map improvement, structure analysis, model building, and validation. 
• Specific areas of research are investigation of multiprotein-nucleic acid complexes that are important in transcription, nucleoid associated protein complexes, DNA replication and DNA repair.  

Minimum requirements:

You must have a Ph.D. Degree in a relevant field and more than 2 years of hands-on experience in cryo-EM microscopy, including image processing and structure modeling. 

This position is:

·       All onsite.

Advantages of working in the Biochemistry Dept and Duke:

·       World renowned Biochemistry Dept. with 2 Nobel laureates.

·       Duke University has access to state-of-the art instrumentation, which includes a ThermoFisher Krios G3i equipped with a Gatan K3 Bioquantum detector and for screening

·        As well as a ThermoFisher Tundra cryo-TEM.

·       The Department of Biochemistry provides a rich intellectual environment, with research in structural biology (cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy), and computational biology. 

·       Duke’s benefits package includes Health, Dental and vision insurance.

Screening of Applications:

·       Applicants should email Dr. Schumacher (maria.schumacher@duke.edu) a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a brief summary (< 1 page) describing their relevant research experience in cryo-EM, and names and contact information for three references. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary and the nature of the appointment will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications.

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.

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