Postdoctoral Associate in Pediatrics

Duke University

Requisition Number: 266940
Institution: Duke University School of Medicine
Location: Durham
Employment Type: Regular, full-time
Personnel Area: Medical Center
Date Posted: Feb 27, 2026

Institution Overview

  • Duke University School of Medicine: Founded 1930, ranked 6th nationally
  • Inclusive, collaborative research environment
  • ~2,500 faculty, 1,300 students, 6,000 staff
  • Part of Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center encompassing hospitals, clinics, and research centers

Position Overview

The Postdoctoral Associate will contribute to gene therapy research addressing neuromuscular disorders, specifically Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), with a focus on respiratory and neuropathology.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead research on respiratory pathology and neuropathology in DMD
  • Design, execute, and document molecular, cellular, biochemical, and immunological experiments
  • Conduct whole-body plethysmography, neurophysiology, and post-mortem molecular analyses (qPCR, western blot, histology)
  • Evaluate adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene therapy approaches for respiratory dysfunction
  • Optimize and troubleshoot protocols, reagents, and equipment
  • Collaborate with lab members on manuscripts, reports, and documentation
  • Maintain accurate lab notebooks and stay current on emerging techniques and reagents

Requirements / Qualifications

  • PhD or equivalent (ScD, MD, DVM); degree must be conferred before appointment
  • Animal handling experience
  • Intellectual curiosity and growth mindset
  • Expertise in biostatistics and bioinformatics (scRNA-seq analysis)
  • Experience in molecular, cellular, biochemical, and immunological assays
  • Commitment to research integrity, collegial conduct, and responsible lab practices

Expectations

  • Conduct research under supervision of a mentor
  • Publish research results during the appointment period
  • Maintain lab records, adhere to Duke policies and safety standards
  • Comply with ethical and regulatory guidelines (animals, human subjects, chemicals, isotopes, etc.)
  • Engage in open communication with mentor regarding research and discoveries
  • Optional teaching responsibilities may be included

Equal Opportunity

  • Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer
  • Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and a collaborative research environment
  • No discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender, gender identity/expression, race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, or military status

Contact / Additional Info

  • Nearest Major Market: Durham, NC
  • Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh, NC
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