POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Postdoctoral Associate (Sulman Lab)

The Sulman Lab seeks a highly motivated research technician to assist in our efforts to understand fundamental mechanisms driving the development and progression of cancer, ultimately aiming to find better treatments for patients with cancer. The lab utilizes advanced molecular biology approaches, functional genomic screening, single-cell technologies, and the in-house developed CARPOOL platform for high-throughput drug evaluation.

The lab is housed in the Department of Radiation Oncology, led by Professor Sulman, who serves as Chair of the Department, and collaborates extensively with the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, the Department of Neurosurgery, and the Duke Cancer Institute.

Research focuses on the following broad topics of cell and cancer biology: (1) probing mechanisms of treatment resistance and radiation response, (2) designing and conducting genetic and pharmacologic screens to identify novel cancer therapeutic strategies in cellular and/or organoid model systems, (3) implementation of advanced functional genomics techniques and 3D chromatin profiling to determine the spatial and functional requirements of enhancers, and (4) tissue processing and molecular analysis of patient-derived clinical samples.

Duties include the following:

Research Design & Experimental Work

· Develop overall research plans and design experiments aligned with project goals.

· Perform in vitro and in vivo studies, including experiments involving ionizing radiation.

· Utilize genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and other mouse models of brain tumors.

· Conduct experiments involving gene editing, molecular cloning, cell biology, and biochemical assays.

· Develop and apply technologies to analyze signaling and signal transduction pathways in vitro and in vivo.

Animal Work

· Manage and care for laboratory mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and experimental procedures.

Data Management & Scientific Writing

· Maintain organized and complete electronic laboratory notebooks documenting all experiments.

· Prepare scientific manuscripts, reports, and publications with PI guidance.

· Communicate significant findings—positive or negative—to the PI in a timely manner.

Equipment & Lab Maintenance

· Maintain laboratory equipment, troubleshoot issues, coordinate repairs, and perform preventive maintenance.

· Ensure a safe and compliant work environment by following institutional safety and regulatory standards.

· Maintain confidentiality of research data and intellectual property.

Professional Development & Teamwork

· Participate in educational and professional development opportunities, including seminars, conferences, and literature review.

· Contribute to a collegial, supportive work environment and assist in training students, technicians, and other trainees.

Min Degree Requirements:

· Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.).

· Should be used for post-doctoral fellows if the candidate has completed all of the requirements for a degree, but the degree has not been formally conferred; 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.

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.

Key Objectives for Leadership Role:

1. Drive scientific vision and deliver high-impact research outcomes - lead research strategies and ensure meaningful, innovative results.

2. Maintain rigorous scientific quality and reproducibility - uphold high standards in experimental design, data integrity, and reporting.

3. Oversee operational excellence and lab infrastructure - manage resources, equipment, and workflows to ensure smooth laboratory operations.

4. Support grant development and scientific communication - contribute to funding proposals, manuscripts, presentations, and dissemination of findings