Postdoctoral Associate

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 275423

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: MEDICAL CENTER

Date: Oct 1, 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.

Be You.

Duke University School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology

The Bohórquez Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to join its research team and explore how the brain recognizes ingested foods. This position offers an exciting opportunity to study the sensory neurobiology of the gastrointestinal tract, with a particular focus on how macro nutrients are detected and how those signals influence behavior.

You will contribute to innovative research investigating the relationship between gastrointestinal sensory receptors and behavior while gaining hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory and molecular research techniques.

Minimum Requirements

PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in biology, nutrition, animal science, biomedical science, or a related field.
A minimum of four years of graduate-level training and research experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience or expertise in sensory neurobiology, electrophysiology, gastrointestinal biology, nutrition, or a related research field.
Experience with laboratory bench research and experimental techniques.
Familiarity with molecular and cellular biology methods, animal research, and behavioral studies.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present research findings.

Other Requirements

Experience working with laboratory animals, including mouse inventory, breeding, genotyping, weaning, general care, surgery, and behavioral studies.
Experience with cell dissociation, cell culture, PCR, molecular assays, and/or RNA sequencing is preferred.
Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and chemical inventories.
Ability to assist with purchasing, laboratory operations, and communications with oversight bodies.
Participation in weekly laboratory meetings and Journal Club activities.
Ability to provide regular updates on research activities and progress.

This position is onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.

Be Bold.

As a Postdoctoral Associate in the Bohórquez Laboratory, you will:

Conduct laboratory bench research focused on the sensory neurobiology of the gastrointestinal tract, including the study of bitter-compound receptors and related behaviors.
Perform mouse research activities, including inventory, breeding, genotyping, weaning, general care, surgery, and behavioral experiments.
Apply cellular and molecular research techniques, including cell dissociation, cell culture, chemical and molecular assays, PCR, and RNA sequencing.
Analyze research data and communicate findings through oral and written presentations, publications, and grant applications.
Support laboratory operations by assisting with purchasing, maintaining chemical inventories, coordinating communications with oversight bodies, and providing regular research updates.

Choose Duke.

Duke University is a world-renowned institution recognized for its commitment to groundbreaking research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Joining the Bohórquez Laboratory provides an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of gastrointestinal sensory biology, neuroscience, and behavior.

You will work in a collaborative research environment that values scientific discovery, professional development, and the advancement of knowledge with potential implications for understanding how the body and brain respond to food.

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.