POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Children’s Health Discovery Initiative is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to join their team in the Department of Pediatrics under the leadership of Dr. M. Anthony (Tony) Moody.

RESEARCH FOCUS:

The Postdoctoral Associate research projects will focus on studying the immunogenicity of novel vaccine candidates through various preclinical platforms. This work is being performed to support federally funded grants and contracts studying the fundamental immunology of pathogen or vaccine antibody responses to diseases such as influenza or syphilis. We are seeking a motivated candidate who can work independently, as well as collaborate with different team members on other research projects and will use the clinical and bench knowledge to advance the science of vaccine development. This post doc position requires a minimum two-year commitment and will be primarily in person with limited opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement. This position will involve bench work, data analysis, frequent presentations, and manuscript submission.

RESPONSIBILITIES and EXPECTATIONS:

• Experimental design and conduct:

• • Conduct systematic literature reviews, develop hypotheses, critically think, and brainstorm new ideas with the research team; independently design and execute proof-of-concept experiments, including major and complex scientific projects.

• • Perform molecular biology experiments, including isolation of immune cells from various immune tissues using flow cytometry-based sorting, and isolation and characterization of B cell-derived recombinant antibodies.

• • Design and optimize reagent panels for testing novel vaccine-induced antibody responses for both antibody characterization and functional assessment on a variety of platforms (ELISA, ELLA, MUNANA, ELISpot, ADCC, Multiplex bead assays, etc.).

• • Design and optimize protein production, yield, and purification with a focus on pre-GMP protein process development; consider and test various tags, resins, etc.

• • Design, optimize, and perform assays: neutralization assays to assess functional capacities of antibodies; multiplex cytokine assays to measure cytokines and chemokines secreted in response to influenza or syphilis antigens; epitope mapping to identify influenza or syphilis antigens recognized by antibodies

· Independent thought leadership:

• • Communicate and present research findings and plans for next steps at regular team meetings, divisional meetings, and conferences.

• • Regularly collaborate with multiple experts at and outside of Duke, fellow post docs, and the rest of the research team

• • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals in the form of research articles

• • Draft complete grant proposals for future expansion of scientific directions; work with the Principal Investigator, the Program Management team, and other relevant resources.

• Data analysis and data management:

• • Compile, analyze, document, and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results.

• • Analyze and interpret data; electronically (and written, when applicable) archive experiments in a manner that is scientifically justifiable, reliable and understandable to others and conforms to the data provenance standards of Duke Department of Pediatrics and funder expectations.

• • Perform graphical analysis of data for presentation at meetings and communicate results to colleagues, leadership, and the scientific community; and to generate publication-quality figures and tables.

· Effective resource management:

• • Work closely with the Laboratory and Program team leads to ensure deliverables are completed in a timely manner to effectively meet the scientific milestones and project deadlines.

• • Develop and review budgets and funding limitations with Principal Investigator, Laboratory leads, and Program Management team.

• Teamwork, training, and general professional conduct:

• • Confer with the principal investigator for open and timely discussion regarding all facets of the Postdoctoral Associate's research activities, including reviewing work assignments, plans, and study timelines. Postdoctoral Associates are encouraged to consult the AAMC Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors for suggested guidelines for the Postdoctoral Appointee-mentor relationship

• • Understand and comply with all safety standards and applicable University and departmental policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all staff.

• • Collaborate with other staff and perform other duties as requested by the Principal Investigator and lab manager, including participating in routine lab maintenance, cleaning, organizing, and restocking supplies

• • Possess the knowledge of basic research integrity, values of ownership of a research project, and follow timelines to achieve deliverables. Training on responsible conduct of research (RCR) and the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program) for conducting research will be provided at Duke.

• • Prompt disclosure to the mentor regarding the possession and desire to distribute materials, reagents, software, copyrightable and potentially patentable discoveries derived from the Postdoctoral Appointee's research.

• • Collegial conduct towards members of the research group and others as described in the Duke University School of Medicine Honor Code of Professional Conduct and other relevant conduct policies pertaining to other schools at Duke University.

In addition to a copy of their resume, applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter (no more than 1 page) detailing their interests and relevant experience(s).

Education, Skills, and Experience Requirements:

• The Postdoctoral Associate holds a PhD or equivalent doctorate (e.g. ScD, MD, DVM) in a relevant field. Candidates with non-US degrees may be required to provide proof of degree equivalency.

• The term of this appointment is limited to 5 years; an additional year may be considered.

• The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship, which may include teaching responsibilities.

• A strong background in molecular biology techniques and protein design and optimization will be preferred.

• A strong background in immunological techniques and principles is preferred.

• Experience with small animal models and/or willingness to develop these skills is preferred.

• Must be able to accurately translate research findings and relevant literature to a target audience (such as clinicians, collaborators, and other members of the research team).

• The appointment is viewed as preparatory for a full-time academic or research career.

• The appointment is not part of a clinical research training program, unless research training under the supervision of a senior mentor is a primary purpose of the appointment.

• The appointee works under the supervision of a scholar or a department at Duke University.

• The appointee is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

• Demonstration of the following skills:

• Excellent communication skills and an ability to work well with others

• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic

• Detail-oriented and possesses strong planning and organizational skills

• Excellent writing and problem-solving skills

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should email CV, brief statement of research interests and names & contact information for three references to Dr. Tony Moody at tony.moody@duke.edu and to Dr. Jillian Hurst at jillian.hurst@duke.edu .