RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, SENIOR
Duke University

Job Info

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School of Medicine:

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked tenth among its peers, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where traditional barriers are low, interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced, and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve humanhealth locally and around the globe.

Comprised of 2,400 faculty physicians and researchers, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing and Duke University Health System create Duke Health. Duke Health is a world-class health care network. Founded in 1998 to provide efficient, responsive care, the health system offers a full network of health services and encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Private Diagnostic Clinic, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

OVERVIEW

The Division of Structural Biology applies structural biology to study the structures of viral glycoproteins, their interactions with host molecules and role in viral entry. Working at the interface of basic and translational research, we collaborate with multiple labs in DHVI and beyond to apply insights from structural biology to vaccine design. We have state-of-the-art facilities that include a tissue culture lab and FPLCs for protein production and purification; Biacore T200, Octet Red 384 and isothermal titration calorimeter (ITC) for measurement of intermolecular interactions; Nanotemper Tycho (differential scanning fluorimeter) and NanoDSC (differential scanning calorimeter) for stability studies; robots for X-ray crystallography; and Leica EM GP2 and other equipment for for cryo-EM grid preparation. We have regular access to the 22-ID beamline at the Argonne Photon Source for X-ray data collection, as well as to a Titan Krios microscope equipped with a Gatan K3 camera at Duke University for cryo-EM. Our primary goal is to understand the mechanism of viral entry and to utilize this knowledge for vaccine and therapeutics design. This position will involve research projects using high-resolution cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography to determine structures of HIV-1 Envelope (Env) and SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) complexes with host receptors and antibodies, biophysical and biochemical analyses to complement structural results, and collaborations with virology and immunology labs to understand the functional implications of the structural findings.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Independently lead and execute structural biology projects within DHVI Division of Structural Biology; 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. Produce and purify HIV-1 Env, Coronavirus (Cov) spikes, antibodies and receptors for structural analyses.Perform crystallization experiments, collect x-ray diffraction data, and determine structures.For cryo-EM structural determination, perform specimen optimization, grid preparation and screening, data collection, map and coordinate refinement.Analyze structural data and perform complementary studies, including binding and stability studies. Collaborate with virologists and immunologists, within DHVI and outside, to place staructural results in a biological context.Design and execute experiments; 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.Develop and optimize new methods for the laboratory

• Train laboratory staff and DHVI trainees

Accurately document detailed research experiments in a laboratory notebookPerform other related duties as necessary and requested

EDUCATION, SKILLS, & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• A Ph.D or equivalent doctorate in biological science, chemistry, or related field is required.
• At least 5 years of experience in structural biology with expertise in either cryo-EM or x-ray crystallograophy, as demonstrated by published papers.
• Expertise in protein purification and molecular biology.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within a team, as well as independently.
• 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

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.

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