Postdoctoral Associate - 167468
OVERVIEW
Here at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI), we value collaborations, and pride ourselves in providing an excellent environment for academic and professional growth. DHVI is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental institute dedicated to the study of basic and translational science required to understand host-pathogen interactions that can be translated to therapies and vaccines against human diseases. We are a team of highly interactive investigators that have expertise in immunology, molecular biology, virology, microbiology, structural biology, computational biology, and human clinical vaccine science.
This position will work under the leadership of Dr. Williams to design and execute immune monitoring studies of candidate vaccines against infectious diseases in human clinical trials. Currently, we have a variety of HIV-1 vaccines in human clinical trials and are seeking a candidate who will be motivated and have the ability to work independently on these studies. Additionally, we have developing studies to understand B cell immunity to tumors and thus identify novel cancer immunotherapies in collaboration with researchers in the Duke Cancer Institute. This candidate will apply similar technologies used for immune monitoring of HIV-1 clinical trials in Cancer Immunology. Thus, we are seeking a Postdoctoral Associate who is enthusiastic and willing to undertake multiple projects that will improve our understanding of host immunity that govern HIV-1 vaccine development, and pursue Cancer Immunology studies that can identify novel immunotherapies against tumors.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Independently lead and execute major and complex scientific projects within the Williams laboratory, serve as the point person for assigned projects and coordinate collaborative science among investigators within DHVI and externally to effectively meet the scientific milestones and project deadlines.
- Molecular biology studies including isolation of immune cells from blood and other immune tissues using flow cytometry-based soting, and isolation and characterization of B cell-derived recombinant antibodies
- Analyze and interpret data; archive experiments in a manner that is scientifically justifiable, reliable and understandable to others; and provide guidance and oversight to junior scientists
- Compile, analyze, document, and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results. Confer with the principal investigator to review work assignments and study timelines.
- Graphical analysis of data for presentation at meetings and conferences, and to generate publication-quality figures and tables
- Make modifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques to meet the needs of the particular project
- Understand and comply with all safety standards and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for all laboratory staff.
- Perform routine lab maintenance, cleaning, organizing, and restocking supplies.
- Includes keeping lab equipment, chemicals reagents and supplies in excellent order.
- Collaborate with other staff and perform other duties as requested by the Principal Investigator
EDUCATION, SKILLS, & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- A PhD in biological sciences with preferred background in molecular biology and immunology.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Must be team oriented and able to work effectively in a highly collaborative work environment
- Must be able to manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities and have the ability to learn and apply new skills and concepts
- Must be detail-oriented and well-organized
Interested applicants should email CV, brief statement of research interests and names & contact information for three references to Dr. Wilton Williams at wilton.williams@duke.edu