Postdoctoral Associate JC: 3820; Job Level: 0; JF 27 Pos # 51136261 (1)

The Biodemography of Aging Research Unit (BARU) at the Center for Population Health and Aging at the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) at Duke University, is looking for motivated postdoctoral researchers in the area of genetics of human aging, health, and longevity, eager to conduct a cutting-edge research and gain advanced skills and multidisciplinary experience that will prepare them for a full time academic/research career.

The BARU is a world-class scientific team led by outstanding faculty who pursue a highly productive research at the frontiers of genetics and epidemiology of aging and age-associated diseases, with an ultimate goal of identifying genetic and other factors that could extend human longevity limits along with healthspan, while avoiding undesirable trade-offs (such as, e.g., between Alzheimer’s and cancer).

Occupational Summary: Postdoctoral associates are expected to conduct a two-year research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, as a part of ongoing BARU projects funded from NIH/NIA grants. Examples of research topics with a great potential for postdoctoral career development include (but not limited to): • Alzheimer’s disease (AD) connection to biological aging and decline in resilience, with special focus on shared genetic pathways between aging and AD that are involved in cell responses to stress. • Understanding heterogeneity of AD and the role of genetic and gene x environment interactions in it. • The impact of microRNAs and their interactions with the aging-related genes on longevity and age-associated diseases. • Complex biomarkers of aging and resilience (e.g., based on entire trajectories of aging-changes in physiological variables, age-dynamics of metabolic dysregulation, rate of deficits accumulation with age, etc.). • The role of common infections, vaccines, and compromised immunity in AD, considering individual genetic background and history of exposures.

Work Performed: • Actively prepare and publish scientific papers based on the study results. • Prepare high quality summaries of the results of the analyses in the form of tables, figures and easily understandable text, suitable for discussion in the group, and for inclusion in presentations and manuscripts. Provide adequate biological and health science interpretation of results of the analyses. • Conduct required statistical analyses for the project, using existing human data on health and aging (with supervision and help from statisticians). • Prepare presentations of the study results for scientific meetings and conferences. • Conduct comprehensive search and review of the literature relevant to the ongoing research. Regularly present results of such review in the group. • All other duties The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel for this position.

Minimum Qualifications: 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.

Essential Physical Job Functions 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.

Education Ph.D. in health, biomedical or social sciences, genetics, epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, biology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, or related fields. A candidate may also be accepted 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.

Experience OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Skill Requirements: Preferences Postdoctoral Associate with research experience in the areas of human aging, health, and longevity (as a part of PhD thesis or post-doctorate activities). Familiarity with statistical analyses of longitudinal and/or cross-sectional human data. Experience in preparing scientific presentations and research papers.

Candidates with strong interest in relevant fields, who are eager to learn and apply cross-disciplinary approaches to address challenging research questions in existing human data, such as, Framingham Study, Health and Retirement Study, ADNI, and UK Biobank, among others. A postdoctoral investigator is expected to actively prepare and publish scientific papers as a leading author. Specific study topics will be discussed with candidates on individual basis.

Ability to conduct analyses of existing human data and create summaries of the results in the form of easily understandable tables, figures and text. Ability to prepare scientific presentations and manuscripts for publications with minimal supervision. Ability to function independently (or with minimal supervision) as a member of the research team.

Accepted candidates will also have a unique opportunity to work closely with the BARU’s superb analytic group that will ensure the highest quality of statistical analyses of large-scale datasets, thus allowing postdoctoral researchers to concentrate more on research questions, literature review, results interpretation, and manuscripts preparation and publishing.

Provide CV/resume, and a short (up to half-page) letter briefly summarizing major research interests and key strengths, as well as names, positions and contact info (emails) of two references through https://academicjobsonline.org. Availability: Immediately. Candidates will be considered until positions are filled.