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Duke University

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27703

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POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

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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.

Postdoctoral Associate (Sulman Lab)

The Sulman Lab seeks a highly motivated research technician to assist in our efforts to understand fundamental mechanisms driving the development and progression of cancer, ultimately aiming to find better treatments for patients with cancer. The lab utilizes advanced molecular biology approaches, functional genomic screening, single-cell technologies, and the in‑house developed CARPOOL platform for high-throughput drug evaluation.

The lab is housed in the Department of Radiation Oncology, led by Professor Sulman, who serves as Chair of the Department, and collaborates extensively with the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, the Department of Neurosurgery, and the Duke Cancer Institute.

Research focuses on the following broad topics of cell and cancer biology: (1) probing mechanisms of treatment resistance and radiation response, (2) designing and conducting genetic and pharmacologic screens to identify novel cancer therapeutic strategies in cellular and/or organoid model systems, (3) implementation of advanced functional genomics techniques and 3D chromatin profiling to determine the spatial and functional requirements of enhancers, and (4) tissue processing and molecular analysis of patient‑derived clinical samples.

Duties Include The Following

Research Design & Experimental Work

Develop overall research plans and design experiments aligned with project goals.

Perform in vitro and in vivo studies, including experiments involving ionizing radiation.

Utilize genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and other mouse models of brain tumors.

Conduct experiments involving gene editing, molecular cloning, cell biology, and biochemical assays.

Develop and apply technologies to analyze signaling and signal transduction pathways in vitro and in vivo.

Animal Work

Manage and care for laboratory mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and experimental procedures.

Data Management & Scientific Writing

Maintain organized and complete electronic laboratory notebooks documenting all experiments.

Prepare scientific manuscripts, reports, and publications with PI guidance.

Communicate significant findings—positive or negative—to the PI in a timely manner.

Equipment & Lab Maintenance

Maintain laboratory equipment, troubleshoot issues, coordinate repairs, and perform preventive maintenance.

Ensure a safe and compliant work environment by following institutional safety and regulatory standards.

Maintain confidentiality of research data and intellectual property.

Professional Development & Teamwork

Participate in educational and professional development opportunities, including seminars, conferences, and literature review.

Contribute to a collegial, supportive work environment and assist in training students, technicians, and other trainees.

Minimum Degree Requirements

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.).

For post‑doctoral fellows who have completed all degree requirements but have not yet been formally conferred, applicants may present evidence of completion and a statement documenting the expected conferral date.

Other Credential/Experiential Requirements

The term of this appointment is limited (5 years with a possible extension for an additional year).

The appointment involves substantially full‑time research or scholarship, which may include teaching responsibilities.

The appointment is viewed as preparatory for a full‑time academic or research career.

The appointment is not part of a clinical research training program unless research training under the supervision of a senior mentor is a primary purpose of the appointment.

The appointee works under the supervision of a scholar or a department at Duke University.

The appointee has the freedom, and is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

Key Objectives For Leadership Role

Drive scientific vision and deliver high‑impact research outcomes—lead research strategies and ensure meaningful, innovative results.

Maintain rigorous scientific quality and reproducibility—uphold high standards in experimental design, data integrity, and reporting.

Oversee operational excellence and lab infrastructure—manage resources, equipment, and workflows to ensure smooth laboratory operations.

Support grant development and scientific communication—contribute to funding proposals, manuscripts, presentations, and dissemination of findings.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

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

Seniority level Internship

Employment type Full‑time

Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries Higher Education

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