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.

Research Activities:

Research Topic: Bioengineered Human Tissue Model for Juvenile Dermatomyositis

Job Description:

Our lab is focused on using bioengineered human muscle systems (myobundles) to research rare pediatric conditions like juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Specifically, we study the impact of type I interferons, which are highly upregulated in patients with JDM. We aim to use myobundles in combination with translational studies of patient samples, such as scRNAseq, metabolomics and proteomics, to develop an accurate model of JDM. The model will serve to better understand disease triggers, identify more helpful biomarkers, and preclinically test potential therapies. Specific functions we test are contractile force produced by myobundles after electrical stimulation and cellular respiration via mitochondrial stress testing. We work with myoblast cell culture in 2D and myobundle culture in 3D. Biochemical (qPCR, western blot) and histological techniques are also employed. As a clinician scientist, Dr. Covert’s goal is to bring knowledge from the bench to the bedside and enhance research at the bench through observations at the bedside. A post-doctoral candidate will spearhead a project that characterizes healthy and JDM patient-derived muscle models and the impact of type I interferons on the model’s mitochondrial function.

Requirements:

· Intellectual curiosity and a growth mindset.

· Biostatistics and Bioinformatics expertise required for scRNAseq analysis.

· Previous cell culture experience.

· Perform molecular, cellular, biochemical and immunological analyses.

· Optimize and troubleshoot experimental protocols and equipment.

· Design, execute and document experiments with sufficient detail to understand and repeat by other lab members.

· Update lab members on new developments in commercial reagents and techniques.

· Compile and document results, maintain lab notes, and assist in writing reports and research manuscripts.

· Assist in the development of new research procedures and techniques.

· Contact information of 3-5 references and copy of research statement.

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