RESEARCH SCHOLAR, SENIOR

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 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Job Description 

We are seeking a senior visiting research scholar to join our research team focused on developing novel strategies for the prevention of respiratory infections. We study interactions between bacteria and viruses within the upper respiratory tract and how these relationships can be leveraged to develop probiotics or other microbiome-based therapeutics for the prevention or treatment of respiratory infections such as pneumonia, acute otitis media, and sinusitis. We use traditional microbiology, molecular biology, and a variety of “omics” approaches, and collaborate with other investigators across the Duke campus and at other institutions. We value teamwork, creativity, integrity, open communication, and resilience. Our laboratory website can be viewed here: https://www.kellyresearchgroup.com/. 

Competitive applicants must have substantial experience in the isolation and characterization of antimicrobial peptides and other antimicrobial compounds from bacteria. Commensurate with this experience, applicants are expected to have expertise in molecular cloning techniques, methods for the purification of proteins and other compounds from bacterial cultures or supernatants, and bacterial genomics and proteomics. The duration of this visiting scholar position in the laboratory is anticipated to be ~18 months. 

Work Performed 

· Co-cultivation and other assays to identify interactions between bacterial strains 

· Identification of putative antimicrobial compounds through use of in silico genome mining tools 

· Use of common molecular biology techniques including molecular cloning and gene knockout experiments 

· Purification of proteins and other compounds from complex bacterial cultures and supernatants using electropheresis and various chromatography methods 

· Conducting high-quality analyses, generating presentations and written and verbal summaries of research findings 

· Developing standardized operating procedures for all new assays performed in the lab 

· Participating in drafting of abstracts, posters, manuscripts, and grant applications 

· Participating in and presenting at domestic/international meetings relevant to our research 

· Functioning as a resource for early-stage scientists (undergraduate and graduate students, laboratory technicians, junior postdoctoral researchers) 

Required Qualifications 

· Graduate degree (PhD) in molecular biology or other directly related scientific field with at least ten years of postdoctoral research experience and notable contributions to the medical literature 

· Familiarity with molecular biology and protein analysis techniques 

· Excellent oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, and creativity 

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

· Strong analytical skills including familiarity with statistical software (e.g., R, PRISM) 

· Candidates who are highly self-motivated individuals interested in working in a team environment supervising early-stage scientists are strongly encouraged to apply 

How to apply 

Candidates should submit their CV/resume, a brief letter of research interest, and a list of 3 references. 

Duke is an Affirmative Action/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, sexual orientation, or veteran 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.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

See job description for education requirements.

Experience

See job description for requirements.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/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, sexual orientation, or veteran 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 essentialjob 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.