Developmental Neuroimmunology Lab / Dr. Staci Bilbo 

Department of Psychology and Neuroscience 

Dr. Staci Bilbo’s Developmental Neuroimmunology Lab at Duke University seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to begin June 1, 2025, for a one-year appointment. The Postdoc will design and run research studies, analyze data, prepare publications, and be a core member of the lab’s intellectual community. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate who has experience with cellular, molecular, and/or systems-level neuroscience, ideally using rodent models. Candidates with immunology backgrounds are also encouraged. 

Broadly, our lab is interested in glial cell development and biology, neuroimmune signaling and communication, and the impact that inflammatory signals during development have on brain and behavioral development and long-term function, e.g., in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. 

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 neural and 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 and analysis; endpoint tissue collection and processing (e.g., flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, ELISAs, Westerns, qPCR); microbiome and RNA sequencing; and image analysis (e.g., light and confocal microscopy). 

Ideal candidates will be intrinsically motivated, creative, independent, articulate, and deeply engaged in their research. Funds for conducting experiments will be available to the fellow, as will the many opportunities for collaboration afforded by the Duke community. There are also significant opportunities for collaboration with leading researchers from institutions around the world who collaborate with Dr. Bilbo. Postdocs will also have the opportunity to help mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the lab. 

Individuals with a Ph.D. or those expecting to complete their Ph.D. by May 2025 are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Interested individuals should apply through Academic Jobs Online and include their CV, a cover letter, and contact information for at least two (2) references. Only applicants who have applied through Academic Jobs Online will be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.