RESEARCH SCHOLAR

100% Grant Funded Research Scholar in Influenza Virus Pathogenesis. Position is for one year with extensions contingent on continued funding, performance, and needs of the lab. Screening of applications continues until the position is filled.

The Heaton Laboratory has an opening for an onsite Research Scholar at the Duke University School of Medicine. We are seeking a motivated person to research the mechanisms of, and interventions for, influenza virus disease using high-throughput genomic screening approaches, primary cell culture systems, and animal models of influenza disease. For more information visit https://mgm.duke.edu/faculty-and-research/primary-faculty/nicholas-heaton-phd/

REQUIRED EXPERTISE AND TECHINAL SKILLS:

•         Extensive Experience with In Vivo Models: Proven expertise in conducting and analyzing in vivo experimentation, particularly using mouse models to study influenza virus pathogenesis.

•         High-Containment Laboratory Proficiency: Certification and substantial hands-on experience working in BSL3 and ABSL3 environments, including experimental design, execution, and oversight of safety and compliance protocols.

•         Project and Personnel Management: Demonstrated ability to lead research teams, supervise lab staff, coordinate experimental goals, and mentor junior researchers.

•         Scientific Communication and Grant Writing: Strong skills in data interpretation, manuscript preparation, and experience contributing to or leading grant application development.

•         Regulatory Compliance and Protocol Development: Deep understanding of lab safety regulations, with experience in writing and managing SOPs, animal protocols, and ensuring compliance with institutional and federal guidelines.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Related Ph.D. with at least 3 years relevant postdoctoral research experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

You will play a critical leadership role in the Heaton Laboratory, contributing to both the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of ongoing research. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

•         Experimental Research: Independently design and perform complex experiments, including data analysis, interpretation, and the preparation of presentations, reports, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

•         Team Leadership and Project Management: Lead and manage research teams, including supervision of laboratory technicians and coordination of experimental goals and schedules. Oversee the collection, analysis, and documentation of data generated by team members. Provide mentorship, training, and guidance to junior personnel on laboratory techniques, protocols, and best practices. Review, edit, and manage manuscript preparation. Proactively identify and resolve issues in experimental execution or data integrity.

•         BSL3/ABSL3 Biocontainment Operations: Oversee and conduct high-containment research within BSL3 and ABSL3 environments. Manage and coordinate experiments conducted under biocontainment conditions. Supervise training and ensure compliance with safety protocols. Serve as a liaison between the laboratory and institutional biosafety and compliance officers.

•         Grant and Proposal Development: Collaborate with the PI in planning experimental aims, writing, and editing grant applications. Assist in the preparation of supporting documentation and reports for funding agencies.

•         Animal Research Oversight: Manage animal colonies and ensure proper execution and documentation of all animal experiments. Ensure full compliance with institutional animal care regulations.

•         Regulatory Compliance and Safety Management: Maintain responsibility for laboratory compliance with all relevant regulatory agencies. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensure proper safety training for all lab members, and coordinate with external agencies during compliance audits. Lead the preparation and submission of new protocols and regulatory documents.

Choose Duke.

The Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology serves as the administrative infrastructure for four research centers that bridge investigators with primary and secondary appointments in the Department with other investigators throughout the medical center, and foster robust interfaces between the clinical and basic sciences. We are committed to a highly interactive atmosphere where staff, students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty flourish.

Faculty members in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology have been well-recognized for their achievements. Follow this link for detailed information about faculty honors and awards and this link for faculty highlighted publications.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Salary determination will be based on SOM and NIH guidelines, relevant experience, Department equity, and can vary from other similarly titled positions according to relevant experience, special skills, training in specialized and well-recognized laboratories, ability to work independently and ability to contribute/lead research.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/