Postdoctoral Associate

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 272586

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: MEDICAL CENTER

Date: Jul 17, 2026

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.

Occupational Summary:

Conduct independent research activities under the guidance of a faculty mentor in preparation for a full time academic or research career.

Job Description:

The Sanders Laboratory in the Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine is looking for a highly-motivated postdoctoral candidate who is passionate about neuroscience and disease-related research to study the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. We take a translational approach (i.e. bench-to-bedside), aiming to translate our multidisciplinary basic scientific research into meaningful health outcomes for patients. Applicants will be considered for an exciting newly funded NIH RO1 project. Areas of interest include LRRK2 biology, Rab phosphorylation (pRabs), lysosomal and endosomal trafficking, neuroinflammation, tau and α-synuclein pathobiology, digital pathology/AI image analysis, and mouse models of neurodegeneration.

Education:

A recent Ph.D. (less than 2 years of postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred) in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry or related field and proficiency in molecular and biochemical approaches is required. The candidate must be flexible and willing to function is a fast-paced environment. Must be able to manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities and learn new skills. Must be detail-oriented and well-organized and the ability to work in a team environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, technical expertise, and scientific creativity are essential.

Requirements:

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.

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.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.