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Occupational Summary

Conduct independent research activities under the guidance of a Prof Andrew Jones in preparation for a full time academic or research career. The Jones Systems for Engaging the Environment Lab (SEEL) recently relocated to Duke University from Northeastern University. SEEL is focused on solving global challenges in water and health using engineering and policy analysis. This includes an emphasis on understanding how single and multispecies bacterial biofilms develop and respond to externally applied stressors. This is done by applying existing and new tools for analysis under real-world and simulated situations so that useful transport relations can be developed.

This project is funded by an NIH NIGMS R35 MIRA award to develop relationships for how material and mechanical properties of heart tissues and vascular tissues influence fluid flow to prevent biofilm formation. In vitro models will be used including those produced by a newly acquired Cellink BioX6 3D bioprinter. This is growing from performing similar studies on skin constructs.

Ideal candidates can come from a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to biomedical engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, mechanical engineering with focuses on tissue culture, organoids, biomaterials, 3D bioprinting. Ideal candidates should possess a strong desire to contribute to the lab through mentorship, leadership, and scholarship as the lab has generally had a rotating cast of 10 undergraduates on average from diverse backgrounds.

Postdoctoral associates will be encouraged and assisted in applying for faculty transition fellowships (like the NIH K99/R00). Postdoctoral associates will be encouraged to attend conferences and workshops to develop skills and networks outside of what is gained in the lab. Postdoctoral associates will also be encouraged and granted time in the later stage of their appointment to develop preliminary data for projects that can start their independent research career.

Work Performed

DEFINITION:

The Postdoctoral Appointee holds a PhD or equivalent doctorate (e.g. ScD, MD, DVM). Candidates with non-US degrees may be required to provide proof of degree equivalency.

1. A candidate may also be appointed to a postdoctoral position if the candidate has completed all of the requirements for a degree but the degree has not been formally conferred: in this case, the candidate may present evidence of completion of the degree requirements, together with a statement documenting the date on which the degree is to be conferred. If the degree is not conferred by this projected date, the postdoctoral appointment may be terminated.

2. Note for international candidates: Generally, immigration classifications (e.g., H-1B, J-1, etc.) require that the requisite degree be conferred before a petition can be filed or a visa document issued to sponsor the individual.

The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of appointment).

The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship, and may include teaching responsibilities.

The appointment is generally preparatory for a full time academic or research career.

The appointment is not part of a clinical training program, unless research training under the supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment.

The Postdoctoral Appointee functions under the supervision of a mentor or a department at Duke University.

The Postdoctoral Appointee is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

EXPECTATION:

The conscientious discharge of research or scholarship responsibilities, which may include teaching responsibilities for Postdoctoral Associates

Conformance to standards of responsible conduct in research

Compliance with good scholarly and research practice

Maintenance of a laboratory notebook and/or other comparable records of research activity, which remains the property of Duke University upon termination

Adherence to University standards regarding use of isotopes, chemicals, infectious agents, animals, human subjects, and the like

Open and timely discussion with the mentor regarding all facets of the Postdoctoral Appointee's research activities. Postdoctoral Appointees are encouraged to consult the AAMC Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors for suggested guidelines for the Postdoctoral Appointee-mentor relationship

Prompt disclosure to the mentor regarding the possession and desire to distribute materials, reagents, software, copyrightable and potentially patentable discoveries derived from the Postdoctoral Appointee's research.

Collegial conduct towards members of the research group and others as described in the Duke University School of Medicine Honor Code of Professional Conduct and other relevant conduct policies pertaining to other schools at Duke University.

Compliance with all applicable University and departmental policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training: See job description for education requirements.

Experience: See job description for requirements.

Skills: See job description for requirements.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Duke University 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.