Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate

The Somarelli Laboratory in the Department of Medicine at Duke University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral associate to join a collaborative research program investigating the endocrine-disrupting potential of plastic additives. This position offers a unique opportunity to conduct rigorous pharmacological and toxicological research with direct public health relevance.

About the Somarelli Lab:
The Somarelli Lab is a translational research group with deep expertise in pharmacology, toxicology, and steroid hormone receptor signaling. The lab has pioneered real-time fluorescence-based reporter systems for quantifying AR and ERα activity, conducted large-scale toxicogenomic analyses of plastic additives, and established enduring collaborative relationships with oncologists, biostatisticians, and environmental scientists. The postdoctoral associate will be mentored directly by Dr.

Jason Somarelli and will work within a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Research Program:
The postdoctoral associate will lead experimental efforts to systematically identify and characterize plastic additives with AR and ERα modulatory activity. This work spans the following three interconnected objectives: high-throughput in vitro screening; mechanistic studies, and in vivo validation.

Required Qualifications:

PhD in pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry, cell biology, chemical biology, or a closely related field. Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and fluorescence-based or biochemical assays. Experience with in vivo mouse studies and standard molecular biology techniques (qPCR, ELISA, western blot). Strong quantitative and analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex experimental data (R, Python, genomics data experience). Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with steroid hormone receptor biology, endocrinology, or endocrine disruption. Experience with high-throughput screening platforms (e.g., Incu Cyte, Polar Screen assays). Track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities:
Design, execute, and analyze in vitro and in vivo experiments to characterize endocrine-disrupting plastic additives. Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members including biostatisticians, environmental scientists, and clinicians. Prepare manuscripts, contribute to grant reports, and present findings at lab meetings and scientific conferences. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students as appropriate. Independently develop and apply for postdoctoral fellowships to support career advancement.

What We Offer:

An intellectually rich, collaborative environment at one of the nation's leading research universities. Mentorship from an interdisciplinary team with expertise spanning oncology, toxicology, and endocrine biology. Competitive salary and benefits in accordance with NIH/Duke postdoctoral guidelines. Access to state-of-the-art facilities including the Duke Cancer Institute, Duke Functional Genomics Core, and Duke Proteomics Core. Strong support for career development, including fellowship application, conference travel, and professional networking.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to Dr. Jason Somarelli at jas
119:
Curriculum vitae (CV) including a full list of publications. Cover letter describing your research background, relevant experience, and career goals (1–2 pages). Contact information for three professional references. Select candidates will be contacted for a phone or video interview; finalists will be invited for an in-person visit to Duke University. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.