Duke University, Psychology and Neuroscience
Position ID:
Duke-Psych&Neuro-AIR_BILBOLAB1 [#31959]
Position Title:
Associate in Research
Position Type:
Other
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708-0999, United States of America
Subject Area:
Appl Deadline:
2026/04/24 23:59:59**
Position Description:
Position Description
Associate in Research
Neuroimmunology Lab / Dr. Staci Bilbo
Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
Dr. Staci Bilbo’s Neuroimmunology Lab in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University is seeking an energetic and organized scientist as an Associate in Research to contribute to the research missions of the lab and team.
This is a full-time, short-term (6 month) position. Anticipated start date is June 2026.
The Bilbo Lab focuses on the study of neuroimmune interactions in brain development and later-life neurodegenerative processes, using pre-clinical models. We collaborate with clinical research groups to translate our findings to human populations. We are particularly interested in the role of immune molecules in both normal and disrupted brain development, based on evidence from human and animal studies that immune system dysfunction or inflammation may be critical in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, cognitive and mood disorders, and neurodegeneration, much later in life. A particular focus is on the resident immune cells of the brain, microglia, including their development and function in response to early life inflammatory signals.
We use a variety of behavioral, cellular, and molecular techniques, including the use of genetically modified animals and behavioral testing (e.g., social behavior, cognitive testing, & reward related assays); in vivo surgical techniques; slice culture and in vivo imaging (time-lapse confocal, 2-photon); endpoint tissue collection and processing (e.g., flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, ELISAs, Westerns, qPCR); and image analysis (e.g., light, confocal, and electron microscopy). More information about the research program can be seen here: http://bilbolab.com
The Associate in Research will be particularly involved in a project focused on body-brain communication using a rodent model. They will be involved in all aspects of the project from animal handling and husbandry, behavioral testing, endpoint tissue collection and processing, and image acquisition and analysis, e.g. of discrete cell populations within the brain. There will be opportunities for authorship and presentation of results at local conferences.
High motivation, commitment, and superb organizational skills are a must, as the position requires simultaneously overseeing several projects alongside consistent communication with the laboratory director. The position requires a bachelor’s degree and proficient computer skills (e.g. Python/R/SPSS/statistical software). Prior small animal handling experience and molecular bench work proficiency are also required. Salary is competitive and based on education and experience.
Please include with your application: most recent CV/Resume and the names and contact information for at least 2 references.
Interested individuals should apply through Academic Jobs Online. Only applicants who 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.
Questions about the lab and/or position can be emailed to Olivia Shamberger at olivia.shamberger@duke.edu.
Duke is an 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, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military 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.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two references (actual letters acceptable but not required, just names and email addresses
)
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info: