POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE – Duke University, United States

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.

The Horner lab at Duke University School of Medicine is looking for a postdoctoral research associate to join our team studying RNA virus-host interactions within the Flaviviridae family of viruses. We are studying the molecular mechanisms by which these viruses, including hepatitis C virus, dengue virus, and Zika virus, activate and evade host innate immune defenses, as well as the RNA regulatory controls to their infection. Find more information about our lab and our recent publications at hornerlab.org.

We have recently discovered that antiviral innate immune signaling is regulated by the post-translational modification system of UFMylation (Snider et al., PMID: 35394863). UFMylation is the process by which the small ubiquitin-like modifier protein UFM1 is conjugated to target proteins by the E3 UFMylation ligase protein UFL1. Importantly, we found that UFL1 modifies the cellular trafficking protein 14-3-3-epsilon to promote RIG-I translocation to intracellular membranes for signaling activation.

The primary goal of this position will be to investigate how the small ubiquitin-like modifier protein UFM1 and its associated machinery regulate protein function to organize the antiviral response.

The postdoctoral fellow will implement cutting-edge technologies in cell biology, immunology, and virology. Additionally, the fellow will have the opportunity to pursue complementary interests in the lab at the intersection of RNA biology, immunity, and virology.

Individuals with experience in post-translation modifications or protein trafficking are highly encouraged to apply. Expertise in virology, RNA biology, biochemistry, or innate immunity would also be relevant for this position. Recent or soon-to-be Ph.D. awardees are especially encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Education

Ph.D. in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field (either have or will have shortly)

Skills
Successful candidates for this position must:

• Be capable of working both independently and within a group
• Have published in peer-reviewed journal
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have strong oral and written English communication abilities
• Have exceptional organizational skills

Application

Candidates should send their CV, a brief description of their scientific achievements and research interests, and the names of 3 references to Stacy Horner (stacy.horner@duke.edu ).

The lab offers a vibrant and rigorous training environment for postdoctoral fellows. Duke also provides a robust training community for postdoctoral associates, supported by the both the Office of Postdoctoral Services (https://postdoc.duke.edu/ ) and the Duke University Postdoc Association (https://dukepostdocs.org/ ). Duke is a world-renowned university and medical center located in the town of Durham, within the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, in proximity to NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill.

Job Code: 00003820 POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE
Job Level: 00

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