RESEARCH SCIENTIST

This Position is Grant Funded

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 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Henderson Lab – Duke Human Vaccine Institute

The Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) performs basic and translational research to fight against major infectious diseases. The DHVI is seeking a microscopist to join the fight against HIV-1 and Coronaviruses.  The DHVI is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental institute dedicated to the study of host-pathogen interactions that can be translated into biologics and vaccines. DHVI is composed of a team of highly interactive investigators who have expertise in mucosal and systemic immunology, virology, molecular and structural biology, computational biology, and animal medicine.

In the Henderson lab, we interrogate the molecular processes leading to an immune response at the atomic scale and with nano-second to second-time resolutions. We are seeking a skilled and motivated microscopist with a strong background in biochemistry and cell biology to join our research team. The ideal candidate will have experience in single-molecule FRET (smFRET) and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) for the study of complex biological processes. This role involves preparing, imaging, and processing samples to investigate freely diffusing proteins and complex processes on the surface of cells, with a focus on immunology. You will work with advanced microscopy equipment to study processes occurring at time scales spanning microseconds to seconds to inform vaccine design.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and properly label biological samples for imaging, including proteins, cells, antibodies, antigens, BCRs, immune complexes, viruses, and virus-like particles.
• Conduct microsecond smFRET experiments on freely diffusing proteins.
• Perform FLIM and FLIM-FRET imaging to study complex processes on cell surfaces.
• Operate and maintain the Luminosa microscope and associated equipment.
• Process and analyze imaging data, ensuring high-quality results and accurate interpretation.
• Collaborate with the research team to design experiments and optimize imaging protocols.
• Document experimental procedures and results and contribute to manuscript preparation and presentations.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.) in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biophysics, or a related field.

• 5 + years of postdoctoral experience conducting scientific research.  Multiple publications and notable significant contributions to scientific research.
• Hands-on experience with fluorescence microscopy, smFRET, and/or FLIM techniques.
• Proficiency in sample preparation and imaging of proteins and cellular complexes.
• Familiarity with data analysis software for processing fluorescence microscopy data.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with PicoQuant microscopes or similar advanced microscopy systems.
• Knowledge of immunological processes and protein-protein interactions.
• Experience in immunology and biophysics or related research areas.

Ideal candidates will possess excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment. Please submit your CV, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience, and contact information for at least two references.

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