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. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Postdoctoral Associate, you will join a collaborative and innovative research team dedicated to advancing our understanding of rare pediatric inflammatory muscle diseases through cutting-edge bioengineering and translational science. Working alongside clinician-scientist researchers, you will contribute to groundbreaking studies focused on juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and the role of type I interferons in disease development and progression. Your work will help bridge discoveries made in the laboratory with meaningful improvements in patient care. You will be part of a research environment that values curiosity, creativity, scientific rigor, and continuous learning while supporting professional growth and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Be Bold.

Join a laboratory pioneering the use of bioengineered human muscle systems, known as myobundles, to investigate the mechanisms underlying juvenile dermatomyositis and related pediatric conditions. Through the integration of advanced molecular techniques, patient-derived samples, and functional muscle modeling, you will help develop innovative disease models that improve our understanding of disease triggers, identify novel biomarkers, and accelerate therapeutic discovery. In this role, you will lead a research project focused on characterizing healthy and JDM patient-derived muscle models and evaluating the effects of type I interferons on mitochondrial function and muscle physiology.

What You'll Do:

• Lead and execute a translational research project investigating juvenile dermatomyositis using bioengineered human muscle models.
• Characterize healthy and patient-derived muscle systems to better understand disease mechanisms.
• Perform and analyze single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets using biostatistical and bioinformatics approaches.
• Conduct molecular, cellular, biochemical, and immunological analyses to support research objectives.
• Culture myoblast cells in both 2D and 3D systems, including development and maintenance of engineered myobundles.
• Evaluate muscle function through contractile force measurements following electrical stimulation.
• Assess mitochondrial function and cellular respiration through mitochondrial stress testing methodologies.
• Utilize techniques including qPCR, Western blotting, histology, proteomics, and metabolomics.
• Design, execute, troubleshoot, optimize, and document experiments with thorough attention to reproducibility and scientific rigor.
• Compile, interpret, and communicate research findings through laboratory meetings, reports, presentations, and scientific manuscripts.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and research documentation.
• Stay current with emerging scientific methodologies, technologies, and commercial reagents, sharing knowledge with team members.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new research procedures and innovative experimental approaches.
• Collaborate effectively with investigators, laboratory personnel, clinicians, and interdisciplinary research partners.

What You'll Bring:

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline such as Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Immunology, Physiology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a strong growth mindset.
• Expertise in biostatistics and bioinformatics, particularly for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data analysis.
• Previous hands-on experience with cell culture techniques.
• Experience designing and conducting independent scientific research.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Commitment to scientific excellence, reproducibility, and innovation.

Application Materials Required:

• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research Statement
• Contact information for 3-5 professional references

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll find more than a research position. You'll join a world-class academic and healthcare community committed to discovery, collaboration, and improving lives. Your research will contribute to advancing scientific knowledge while helping translate laboratory discoveries into meaningful outcomes for patients and families affected by rare pediatric diseases. Through access to exceptional resources, interdisciplinary partnerships, and mentorship opportunities, you'll have the support needed to grow as an independent scientist and future leader in biomedical research.

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.