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POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY
Acharya Lab - Division of Structural Biology
The Acharya Lab in the Division of Structural Biology at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) is recruiting for a Postdoctoral Associate. We study the structures of viral glycoproteins, their interactions with host molecules, and their roles 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 tissue culture labs, FPLCs, X-ray crystallography robots, a biophysics suite that includes a Biacore T200, Octet Red 384, ITC, DSC, and a plate reader for absorbance and fluorescence assays, Leica EM GP2 and other equipment for cryo-EM grid preparation, and a 100 keV Tundra cryo-TEM. 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.
This position will involve structural determination using high-resolution cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography of viral envelope and fusion proteins and their 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.
At DHVI, our postdoctoral associates work in concert with Duke faculty and staff in an invigorating research training environment. One of our primary scientific missions is to support and train early-stage investigators to become the next generation of scientific leaders equipped to identify and implement solutions to improve human health worldwide. We are committed to providing an outstanding training environment and research experiences that will enhance your career and provide an avenue to incorporate your education, expertise, initiative, and dedication to the success of the studies.
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. degree, with a strong background in biochemistry and structural biology. Experience with expression and purification of proteins from mammalian cells, measurement of biomolecular interactions using Biolayer Interferometry or surface plasmon resonance, structural determination using single-particle cryo-EM analysis, and atomic model building is required. Deep knowledge and experience in working with virus surface glycoproteins, demonstrated with peer-reviewed publications, is a requirement for this position, and the candidate must have at least 1 first/co-first author publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
The application materials should include a CV and cover letter with a 1-page summary explaining your past research, your interests, and how joining the Acharya Lab fits within your overall career objectives, and the contact information for 3references. You will be contacted if we are interested in exploring your credentials in more detail.
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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.
