RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, SR

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.

Occupational Summary

Conduct a variety of investigations in the planning, development and implementation of experimental procedures within the overall scope of the research projects in the laboratory of Victor Dzau and Conrad Hodgkinson.

Work Performed

The position requires significant expertise in cellular and molecular biology, notably cloning, gene-editing, mammalian cell culture, RNA analysis, protein analysis and expression.

The primary duties for this position will be focused on the laboratory's research in cardiac regeneration.

Research activities will focus on :

• Characterizing the mechanisms by which microRNAs convert fibroblasts into functional heart.
• Investigating the role of innate immunity in heart development.
• Investigating viral and exosome delivery methods for cardiac regeneration.

The research scientist will confer with the principal investigator (Dr. Hodgkinson) in determining specific experiments to be included in the research protocol and to discuss the interpretation of results.

In addition, it is expected that the research scientist will review journals, abstracts and scientific literature to keep abreast of the latest developments in the field, as well as obtaining information regarding previous experiments, to aid in the design and development of original procedures and techniques.

When necessary, the research scientist will aid in the training and instruction of students and other laboratory personnel with respect to techniques and procedures.

Required Qualifications

Education / Training : Position requires a PhD, or equivalent, in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other directly related scientific field.

Experience : Position requires a minimum of two years of research experience.

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 onthe 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.