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.

Be You.

The Department of Anesthesiology at Duke University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Andrea Nackley, a collaborative and innovative research environment focused on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying chronic pain. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and execute cutting-edge translational research examining peripheral adrenergic mechanisms that contribute to chronic pain, inflammation, and neuroinflammation.

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing discovery-driven research that integrates molecular genetics, behavioral pharmacology, and clinical epidemiology. You will design and conduct independent experiments, contribute to scientific publications and grant applications, and collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of pain conditions.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (e.g., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.) in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Pharmacology, or a related biomedical science field. Candidates who have completed all degree requirements but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be considered with documentation of completion and anticipated conferral date.
• Experience working with rodent models of pain, inflammation, neuroscience, or related biomedical research.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot research experiments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to scientific rigor and integrity.
• Must qualify for appointment as a Duke University Postdoctoral Associate and register with the Duke Office of Postdoctoral Services.
• Must be committed to pursuing a research-intensive training experience designed to prepare for an independent academic, scientific, or research career.
• Must be willing to publish research findings and contribute to scholarly activities, including manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications.
• Ability to work under the mentorship and supervision of Duke University faculty while progressively developing research independence.

• This is a full-time postdoctoral appointment with an initial term consistent with Duke University postdoctoral policies (up to five years, with the possibility of an additional one-year extension when appropriate).
• The appointment is primarily research-focused and may include limited teaching or mentoring responsibilities.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to work with animal models, primarily mice, and complete all required animal research training.
• Willingness to work with human-derived biofluids and tissues and complete required biosafety and IRB training.
• Commitment to maintaining accurate research records and adhering to Duke University policies on scientific integrity and research conduct.
• Active participation in laboratory meetings, collaborative research meetings, seminars, and departmental activities.

Work Arrangement

• Onsite. The work is performed on-site at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

Be Bold.

• Design and lead innovative research projects investigating peripheral adrenergic mechanisms involved in chronic pain, inflammation, and neuroinflammation.
• Develop and implement experimental protocols using molecular, genetic, pharmacologic, and behavioral approaches in animal and human-based research models.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate research findings through scientific manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and grant applications.
• Collaborate with faculty, trainees, and multidisciplinary research teams across basic science and clinical programs to advance translational pain research.
• Pursue professional development and research independence by developing competitive extramural funding applications and career advancement plans.

Choose Duke.

At Duke Anesthesiology, you will join a nationally recognized research enterprise committed to advancing innovative solutions for complex pain disorders. Dr. Nackley’s laboratory offers a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where postdoctoral scholars have the opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and clinicians in both basic and translational research.

You will benefit from extensive mentorship, access to state-of-the-art research resources, and meaningful opportunities for career development, grant writing, scientific publication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As part of one of the nation's premier academic medical centers, you will contribute to discoveries that have the potential to improve the lives of patients living with chronic pain.

Job Code: 00003820 POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE
Job Level: 00