Faculty

We are seeking an innovative investigator who uses molecular genetic approaches to study neural circuitry. Candidates must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree, as well as postdoctoral experience demonstrating the potential for outstanding future achieve-ment. Qualified women and minority candidates are especially encouraged to apply. The deadline for receipt of applications is November 1, 2007. An electronic application (PDF file) that includes a curriculum vita, a brief statement of research interests and future plans, and the names and addresses of three referees should be sent to circuitfacultysearch@neuro.duke.edu. circuitfacultysearch@neuro.duke.edu.

Duke University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Postdoctoral

Please contact Jennifer Groh for more information.

A position for a post doctoral fellow is available to work on the molecular biology and evolution of vocal learning. The candidate should be ambitious, willing to take risk, and have molecular biology experience. The goal of the project is to determine and study function of the genes responsible for setting up vocal learning brain circuits in the brains of vocal learning birds and mammals. Funds are available for 4 years. Contact Erich Jarvis for more information or to apply.

Postdoctoral positions are periodically available for highly motivated candidates interested in the function and plasticity of synapses, dendrites, neural circuits, and the remarkable cell biology of neurons. General areas of interest are:

1. Neuronal Cell Biology. Candidates versed in cell biological techniques, notably live-cell fluorescent imaging (FRAP, FLIP, FRET) with an interest in cellular mechanisms of protein trafficking, organelle transport, and morphogenesis.
2. Electrophysiology. Candidates with a strong background in cellular or in vivo electrophysiology with an interest in applying physiological techniques toward cell biological questions in synaptic function. Current projects range from dissociated neuron cultures to brain slices to in vivo recordings.
3. Imaging and Biophysics. Candidates with backgrounds in physical science, optics or optical engineering, molecular design, and in vitro or in vivo microscopy with an interest in developing and applying optical imaging to cellular, subcellular and circuit level imaging. Additional interest is in the area of single molecule imaging and manipulation.
4. Mouse Genetics. Candidates versed in mouse genetic manipulations, whole animal in vivo or in situ analysis with interest in functional manipulation and visualization of synapses, neurons, and microcircuits.
5. Biochemistry. Candidates with expertise in protein biochemistry including protein purification, chromatography, quantitative analysis, and proteomics-based techniques such as 2D electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and database mining who have an interest in functional neuroproteomics.

Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and contact information for three references to: Michael D. Ehlers, M.D., Ph.D., HHMI, Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3209, Durham, NC 27710, USA; e-mail: ehlers@neuro.duke.edu.

Duke University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

2 highly-skilled and -motivated postdoctoral associates are wanted.

(1) in the field of sensory neurophysiology of osmo-mechano-stimulus transduction (see also: http://neurobiology.mc.duke.edu/CTN/faculty/liedtke/publications.html);

(2) in arthritis-joint-pain pathogenesis /cartilage biology (see also http://ortho.duhs.duke.edu/). 

For both positions, plugged into NIH-funded research programs, a very high level of enthusiasm for a cutting-edge basic-science/ translational project and at least one first-author paper in a journal JBC-and-up are MANDATORY, as well as excellent fluency in written and spoken English.  For both opportunities,  we are looking preferably for a US citizen or "green card"-holder, which would ease access to available training grants, or for a German citizen (or has lived in Germany for the last >5 years), which is a critical condition for submission of a Feodor Lynen proposal to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (sponsor available).  Please send application/CV/publications to Dr. Wolfgang Liedtke, e-mail: pd_application_duke@mac.com
Please see also
http://neurobiology.mc.duke.edu/CTN/faculty/liedtke/
http://neurobiology.mc.duke.edu/faculty/simon/
http://ortho.duhs.duke.edu/modules/obl_staff/index.php?id=2

Postdoctoral positions are available for highly motivated individuals interested in using molecular genetic approaches in mice to understand synaptic and circuitry mechanisms of behavior and their relevance to neuropsychiatric disorders (Arenkiel et al., 2007, Neuron 54:205-218; Welch et al., 2007, Nature 448:894-900). Qualified candidates must have a recent Ph.D, M.D or M.D/Ph.D degree in a related field, and must be well trained in at least one of the following experimental approaches: molecular biology, genetics, electrophysiology, imaging or behavioral analysis. For more information regarding research in the lab, please visit http://www.neuro.duke.edu/faculty/feng/. Please forward application letters together with curriculum vitae and names of three referees to: Dr. Guoping Feng, Department of Neurobiology, Box 3209, Duke University Medical Center, Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710. Email: wangjie@neuro.duke.edu.

Positions are available at the Duke University Medical Center for NIH-supported drug abuse and/or schizophrenia research using mouse genetic models. Molecular genetic tools are used to investigate how epigenetic regulation of transcription influences drug abuse behaviors. Preclinical schizophrenia experiments will relate signal transduction to behavioral responses to antipsychotic compounds. Ideal candidates should have a Ph.D. or equivalent, knowledge of epigenetics or signaling, and experience in neurochemistry and behavior. If interested, please send CV, summary of research, and three references to Dr. Anne West (west@neuro,duek.edu) and Dr. William C. Wetsel (wetse001@mc.duke.edu); Duke University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Postdoctoral position available for highly motivated individual with a strong interest in the synaptic basis of basal ganglia function. Potential candidates must have expertise in advance imaging techniques and/or electrophysiology. Project will investigate functional differences among striatal medium spiny neurons projecting to the direct and indirect pathway using recently described dual transgenic platform (Shuen et al, J Nsci, 2008). Interested candidates should send a statement indicating their research interests and experience, a CV and 3 letters of recommendation to nicole.calakos@duke.edu

Lab: http://neurobiology.mc.duke.edu/CTN/faculty/calakos/index.html

Technical/Staff

Seeking research technician who will perform a variety of molecular/cellular biology procedures, including brain tissue culture, cloning and western blotting. Other responsibilities include ordering and maintaining lab supplies, reagents and equipment.

To apply, go to Duke Human Resources and enter requisition number MCTR20638-041405

The laboratory of Michael Platt at Duke University studies the brain mechanisms of decision making and social behavior. We are looking for a full-time lab person (Research Technician I) to provide support for our research, including our work with non-human primates. The successful candidate will join a vibrant team of neurobiologists, anthropologists, and biologists working together using state of the art techniques to understand the primate mind.
The laboratory is located on the wooded campus of Duke University in Durham, NC.
Core duties: Assist in maintaining and documenting animal health and welfare; maintain and document the inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment; assist in surgery and other minor procedures; manage personnel and lab finances.
Qualifications/experience: Requires an associate’s degree in a scientific discipline. Education and/or experience in animal research is desired. Requires working knowledge of pc computing; ability to work with others; attention to detail; diligence; ability to manage several tasks simultaneously; pleasant demeanor. Previous experience working with nonhuman primates is preferred, but not required.
Salary/funding: Commensurate with the experience and skills of the successful candidate ($25,000-$32,000).
Term of Appointment: Immediately. Require commitment for 1 year. Two years preferred.
APPLY THROUGH HUMAN RESOURCES, REQUISITION # 400184314

The Calakos lab is looking for an experienced Research Technician to fill a long term position in the laboratory. Position involves collaborating with students and postdocs on a variety of projects and providing lab management. Current methodologies commonly relied upon include: molecular biology techniques such as subcloning, PCR, genomic DNA preparation, RNA work, and recombinant virus production; tissue culture techniques; and mouse colony management. Protein biochemistry expertise occasionally needed. The ideal candidate will have a friendly, outgoing personality and truly enjoy the process of scientific discovery. Critical thinking and multi-tasking skills are also essential. Potential candidates should have either a Master’s degree in a related field or extensive experience. Position level and salary commensurate with experience. Applicants should forward a CV and 3 reference contacts to nicole.calakos@duke.edu Lab: http://neurobiology.mc.duke.edu/CTN/faculty/calakos/index.html