Postdoctoral Associate

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.

Be You.

The Song/Knechtle Lab at the Duke Transplant Center, part of Duke University School of Medicine, is hiring a postdoctoral researcher to study HLA-specific B-cell responses in transplant patients. The research focuses on understanding how the immune system recognizes donor HLA molecules by analyzing rare antigen-specific B cells, their function, genetics, and role in transplant rejection. The lab has developed advanced tools for identifying and characterizing rare B cells, with the broader goal of improving transplant risk assessment and graft outcomes.

The position requires a PhD in immunology or a related field, with strong experience in molecular and cellular biology, molecular biology–related bioinformatics, flow cytometry, and cell culture. The candidate should be highly motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects and supervising technicians in a fast-paced research environment.

The role offers close mentorship from Dr. Song and senior investigators, with an emphasis on developing scientific independence, publishing first-author papers, and preparing for academic or industry careers.

Be Bold.        

A postdoctoral research position is available immediately in the Song/Knechtle Lab at the Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine. Our research focuses on understanding humoral allorecognition by profiling allogeneic HLA-specific B-cell responses in sensitized transplant candidates. We aim to define the phenotype, specificity, function, and B-cell receptor genetics of rare HLA-specific B cells, with the goal of elucidating the molecular basis of HLA immunogenicity and immunodominance. To support this work, we have developed innovative platforms for the efficient discovery and characterization of rare antigen-specific B cells—tools designed to be broadly applicable across immunology. Ultimately, this research seeks to inform improved strategies for immunological risk assessment and enhance graft outcomes in transplant patients.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in immunology or a closely related field and possess extensive experience in molecular and cellular biology. The candidate should be highly motivated to conduct clinically relevant research and committed to maintaining rigorous scientific standards. Required technical expertise includes molecular biology and associated bioinformatics, flow cytometry, and experience with both primary cells and cell line culture. In addition to technical proficiency, strong project management, leadership, and organizational skills are essential. The candidate will be responsible for overseeing technicians and managing multiple routine and exploratory projects simultaneously in a dynamic research environment.

Close mentorship will be provided by the PI, Dr. Song, and a team of senior investigators across basic, translational, and clinical sciences, with a strong emphasis on developing scientific independence, leading first-author publications, and advancing toward competitive academic or industry careers.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit their application as a single PDF file, including:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• A brief cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals
• Contact information for 2–3 professional references

Please send application materials and any inquiries to:

Shengli Song, PhD
shengli.song@duke.edu
Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine

Choose Duke.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Duke Surgery is #1 in NIH Grant Funding. We are an internationally recognized leader in laboratory and clinical investigation. Duke Surgery’s faculty and trainees are consistently among the top- funded researchers nationwide. This position is 100% grant funded. Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from Duke's competitive benefits package, including health insurance plans, generous paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, tuition assistance for employees and their children, and more. Join our award-winning team and be part of an inclusive culture that values excellence, innovation, and discovery.

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.