The Reker Lab at Duke University's Biomedical Engineering Department is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our fully integrated laboratory. With equal commitment, expertise, and infrastructure in computation, wet-lab biology, and chemistry, our lab aims to advance the development of novel therapeutics against diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, and inflammatory diseases. The Postdoctoral Associate will work on projects to integrate RNA and proteins into drug carriers within active learning workflows and apply formulations in vitro and in vivo. This position is available for immediate hire with a 1-year term and an opportunity for additional annual renewal contingent on performance and funding availability.

Responsibilities:

·       Design, formulate, and characterize drug carriers incorporating various therapeutic modalities (e.g. RNA, protein). The candidate should be comfortable with characterization techniques including but not limited to HPLC, DLS, microscopy, and biochemical assays.

·       Design and deploy high-throughput drug carrier synthesis and characterization workflows using liquid handling stations.

·       Evaluate formulations in cell culture and animal models.

·       Collaborate with our team to conceive, implement, and test novel computational methods for drug carrier design.

·       Mentor a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students.

·       Maintain accurate records of experiments and analyze data.

Qualifications:

·       PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.

·       Strong background in biomaterials, nanomedicine, and drug delivery.

·       Strong background in tissue culture and animal models.

·       Prior experience in mathematical modelling, computational methods, and programming is a plus.

·       Track record of publications and scientific presentations.

·       Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with multidisciplinary team members.

·       Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

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.