RESEARCH SCHOLAR

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.

Background:

Our laboratory investigates the fundamental mechanisms governing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) regulation and dysfunction in hydrocephalus, with a focus on mechanosensitive ion channels in the choroid plexus epithelium and the role of meningeal lymphatic vessels in CSF clearance. Ongoing work centers on a mechanically gated ion channel and its role in modulating CSF secretion, sensing, and homeostasis. We also study lymphatic drainage pathways in the dura mater, aiming to understand how they influence CSF dynamics and whether they can be therapeutically targeted.

Our team currently includes one experienced technician who manages animal husbandry, genotyping, lab organization, and purchasing, and who is proficient in procedures such as cisterna magna and intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections. The incoming postdoctoral fellow will work closely with this technician to carry out experiments and help drive the research program forward.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in biomedical sciences or a related field, and demonstrate a strong interest in both basic biology and translational neuroscience. We seek a self-directed, proactive individual with strong critical thinking skills, excellent communication abilities, and a problem-solving mindset. A solid work ethic and experience in manuscript preparation are essential. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working with transgenic mouse models, as well as familiarity with cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques such as immunostaining, Western blotting, and qPCR. Additional exposure to high-throughput methodologies like single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics or small animal stereotactic procedures, would be considered an asset.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design and execute experiments aligned with the lab’s research objectives

2. Optimize and troubleshoot experimental protocols, including in vivo mouse models, molecular assays, imaging, and dissection techniques

3. Analyze, interpret, and synthesize experimental results; prepare data for lab meetings, publications, and presentations

4. Collaborate with the lab technician and external partners to coordinate experimental workflows and research timelines

5. Maintain accurate and organized experimental records in accordance with institutional policies (paper and/or digital notebooks)

6. Assist in writing and editing manuscripts for publication

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Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe 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.