The lab has a focus on the area of neuroendocrine-immune interactions and their role in motivated behavior, using laboratory rats and mice as a model organism. Research projects are aimed at exploring the mechanisms by which innate CNS immune cells, primarily microglia, and their products such as cytokines and chemokines, influence both normal and abnormal brain development, and their implications for behavioral outcomes later in life, including cognition, affect, and addiction. We use a variety of behavioral, cellular, and molecular techniques; including the use of genetically modified animals and behavioral testing (e.g., social behavior, anxiety, depression, & addiction); in vivo surgical techniques; ex vivo glial cell cultures; endpoint tissue collection and processing (e.g., flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, ELISAs, Westerns, qPCR); and image analysis (e.g., light, confocal microscopy). 

The applicant will be involved in several projects and will be expected to perform both live animal (e.g. rodent handling and husbandry, genotyping and colony management, and behavioral assays) and molecular and cellular wet lab assays, along with data analysis and presentation. 

The position requires a Bachelor's degree and proficient computer skills (Excel skills and SPSS/statistical software knowledge are required and Python/R are preferred). Prior animal handling experience and basic bench work proficiency are also required. High motivation, commitment, and superb organizational skills are a must, as the position requires simultaneously overseeing several projects. Preference will be given to those with prior related research experiences and/or an interest in future research. The position is to start ASAP (start date negotiable). This position includes the opportunity to pursue a variety of research opportunities that can result in authorship on academic publications. 

If you are interested, please upload your CV and contact information for two references through Academic Jobs Online. Only applicants that have applied through Academic Jobs Online will be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you are not able to upload your application materials or if letter writers would prefer to upload their letters directly, please complete your application and email those materials to Meghann Koffi at meghann.koffi@duke.edu to be uploaded manually.