Postdoctoral Associate

Occupational Summary

The Odom lab within the Department of Urology at Duke University School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to perform a variety of technical duties in support of an NIH-funded research program investigating the molecular, neural, and physiological mechanisms underlying lower urinary tract dysfunction. The successful candidate will participate in an NIH-funded research program investigating the molecular, neural, and physiological mechanisms underlying lower urinary tract dysfunction. Current research focuses on how diabetes and hormone-dependent signaling alter urothelial function, neurotrophic signaling, sensory afferent innervation, and bladder physiology, with particular emphasis on mechanisms contributing to overactive bladder and diabetic bladder dysfunction.

Work Performed

• Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret hypothesis-driven experiments investigating mechanisms of lower urinary tract dysfunction.
• Conduct studies using genetically modified and disease-relevant mouse models.
• Perform and optimize physiological assessments of lower urinary tract function, including cystometry and related experimental techniques.
• Perform molecular and biochemical studies, including protein extraction and quantification, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
• Investigate neurotrophic and receptor-signaling pathways and mechanisms regulating sensory nerve function.
• Maintain accurate and reproducible research records and apply appropriate quantitative and statistical methods to experimental data.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and contribute to abstracts, scientific presentations, progress reports, and grant applications.
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings and regional, national, and international scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with investigators and research personnel within the Department of Urology and across Duke University.
• Assist with mentoring students and research staff, as appropriate.
• Participate in professional development activities supporting progression toward an independent academic or research career.
• Maintain standards of responsible conduct of research and compliance with applicable Duke laboratory safety, animal research, and research integrity requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or D.V.M., related to physiology, neuroscience, molecular biology, pharmacology, or biomedical sciences.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct hypothesis-driven biomedical research.
• Strong scientific communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

• Experience with mouse models, in vivo physiology, or related animal research.
• Experience in physiology, neuroscience, neuro-urology, sensory neuroscience, diabetes, or related fields.
• Experience with Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy, PCR/qPCR, protein analysis, or quantitative image analysis.
• Experience with physiological or functional assays.
• Knowledge of neurotrophic signaling, sensory neurons, estrogen-dependent signaling pathways, diabetes, or lower urinary tract biology.
• Demonstrated scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications and/or scientific presentations.
• Strong quantitative analysis, scientific writing, and oral communication skills.

Research and Training Environment

The successful candidate will join a collaborative research program focused on defining mechanisms underlying lower urinary tract dysfunction and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

The Postdoctoral Associate will be encouraged to develop scientific independence, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present research at scientific meetings, and develop an independent research trajectory.