Postdoctoral Associate in Cancer Biology

Work Arrangement: On-Site
Requisition Number: 269718
Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: Medical Center
Date: May 5, 2026

Institution

Duke University 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.

Position Overview

The West laboratory is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our ASAP/MJFF-funded research program focused on α-synuclein biology and neurodegeneration. The candidate will play a central role in experimental design, rigorous data generation and validation, and manuscript preparation for high-impact publications.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD or similar level degree in related field

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants should have a strong background in protein aggregation, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, and related methodologies, with demonstrated expertise in protein biochemistry and/or neuropathology.

Work Arrangement

This position is:

• Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.

Responsibilities

• Lead studies leveraging RT-QuIC and related assays to interrogate α-synuclein aggregation, seeding, and strain properties
• Hands-on work in protein expression, purification, and biochemical/biophysical characterization
• Immunohistochemical and antibody-based staining of brain sections, quantitative image analysis, and integration of in vitro and in vivo datasets to drive mechanistic insight

Candidate Profile

This position is geared for the highly motivated individual with a track record of productivity, attention to experimental rigor and reproducibility, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

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