Postdoctoral Associate in Biology

Duke University

Position Details

Job Title: Postdoctoral Associate
Location: Durham, NC, US 27710
School/Department: School of Medicine – Department of Cell Biology, Tata Lab
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Requisition Number: 266941
Employment Type: Regular
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Appointment Term: Minimum one year, renewable; limited to 5 years with possible extension for one additional year

About the Lab

The Tata lab studies cellular plasticity mechanisms in lung injury repair and tumorigenesis, focusing on:

  • Genetic and epigenetic basis of organ regeneration and cancer
  • Properties of stem/progenitor cells in epithelial tissues (primary focus: lung)
  • Interactions between tissues in pathophysiological conditions

Research Methods Include:

  • In vivo mouse genetics
  • Live imaging and 3D organoids
  • Genome-wide Cas9/CRISPR functional screens
  • Next-generation sequencing and single-cell analysis

Lab Website: https://www.cellbio.duke.edu/purushothama-rao-tata/

Responsibilities

  • Design, perform, and analyze experiments
  • Interpret and discuss results with the PI
  • Assist graduate and undergraduate students in the lab
  • Write and submit manuscripts
  • Apply for postdoctoral fellowships and contribute to larger lab grants

Expectations:

  • Adhere to standards of responsible conduct in research
  • Maintain lab records/notebooks
  • Follow safety and compliance protocols (chemicals, isotopes, animals, human subjects, etc.)
  • Open communication with mentor
  • Collegial conduct and professionalism
  • Intellectual property disclosure

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • Ph.D. or equivalent (Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.) in biological sciences or related field
  • Degree requirements may be met but not yet conferred

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong background in transcriptional regulation, cell biology, molecular biology, mouse models, and biochemistry
  • Experience with stem cells, Cas9/CRISPR, 3D organoid cultures, chromatin biology, bioinformatics
  • Evidence of successful research (publications)
  • Independent work, data interpretation, and communication skills

Other Requirements:

  • Eligibility for postdoctoral fellowship registration at Duke
  • Research-focused appointment (may include teaching responsibilities)
  • Preparatory for academic/research career
  • Freedom to publish research outcomes

Salary

  • Commensurate with NIH guidelines and applicant experience

Application Instructions

Equal Opportunity Statement

  • Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer
  • Employment is offered without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or military status
  • Duke values collaboration, innovation, creativity, and inclusion

Physical Job Functions

  • May require specific physical or mental abilities; accommodations provided per department
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