RESEARCH SCIENTIST

This Position is Fully 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 (Williams)

OVERVIEW

Here at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI), we value collaborations, and pride ourselves in providing an excellent environment for academic and professional growth. DHVI is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental institute dedicated to the study of basic and translational science required to understand host-pathogen interactions that can be translated to therapies and vaccines against human diseases. We are a team of highly interactive investigators that have expertise in immunology, molecular biology, virology, microbiology, structural biology, computational biology, and human clinical vaccine science.

This position will work under the leadership of Dr. Williams to design and execute immune monitoring studies of candidate vaccines against infectious diseases in human clinical trials. Currently, we have a variety of HIV-1 vaccines in human clinical trials and are seeking a candidate who will be motivated and have the ability to work independently on these studies. This candidate must be enthusiastic and willing to undertake multiple projects that will improve our understanding of host immunity that govern vaccine development, including roadblocks towards an effective HIV-1 vaccine that may be circumvented with novel strategies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently lead and execute major and complex scientific projects within the Williams  laboratory.
• Serve as the point person for assigned projects and coordinate collaborative science among investigators within DHVI and externally to effectively meet the scientific milestones and project deadlines.
• Molecular biology studies including isolation of immune cells from blood and other immune tissues using flow cytometry-based soting, and isolation and characterization of B cell-derived recombinant antibodies
• Design and execute experiments to address primate and NHP immunity using next generation deep-sequencing platforms, and analyze genomes and transcriptomes generated by these platforms
• Analyze and interpret data; archive experiments in a manner that is scientifically justifiable, reliable and understandable to others
• Accurately document research experiments in a laboratory notebook
• Provide guidance and oversight to junior scientists
• Read scientific literature to increase scientific knowledge about current and future projects
• Perform other related duties as necessary and requested

EDUCATION, SKILLS, & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• A Ph.D or equivalent doctorate in biological sciences with preferred background in virology and/or immunology.
• A minimum of 5 years of related laboratory experience including basic molecular and cellular biology techniques such as molecular cloning, PCR, DNA mutagenesis, and tissue culture
• Expertise in analysis of flow cytometry-generated data via flowjo is desired
• Analyzing genomes and transcriptomes generated using sequencing platforms such as Illumina, PACBIO or 10X Genomics are desired
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be team oriented and able to work effectively in a highly collaborative work environment
• Must be able to manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities and have the ability to learn and apply new skills and concepts
• Must be detail-oriented and well-organized

How to Apply: 

Interested applicants should email CV, brief statement of research interests and names & contact information for three references to Dr. Wilton Williams at wilton.williams@duke.edu

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