Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate

Work Arrangement:
On-Site

Requisition Number: 270716 Regular or Temporary:
Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710 Personnel Area: MEDICAL CENTER

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe.

Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Be You. The Song/Knechtle Lab at the Duke Transplant Center, part of Duke University School of Medicine, is hiring a postdoctoral researcher to study HLA-specific B-cell responses in transplant patients. The research focuses on understanding how the immune system recognizes donor HLA molecules by analyzing rare antigen-specific B cells, their function, genetics, and role in transplant rejection. The lab has developed advanced tools for identifying and characterizing rare B cells, with the broader goal of improving transplant risk assessment and graft outcomes.

The position requires a PhD in immunology or a related field, with strong experience in molecular and cellular biology, molecular biology–related bioinformatics, flow cytometry, and cell culture. The candidate should be highly motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects and supervising technicians in a fast-paced research environment. The role offers close mentorship from Dr. Song and senior investigators, with an emphasis on developing scientific independence, publishing first-author papers, and preparing for academic or industry careers.

Be Bold. A postdoctoral research position is available immediately in the Song/Knechtle Lab at the Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine. Our research focuses on understanding humoral allorecognition by profiling allogeneic HLA-specific B-cell responses in sensitized transplant candidates. We aim to define the phenotype, specificity, function, and B-cell receptor genetics of rare HLA-specific B cells, with the goal of elucidating the molecular basis of HLA immunogenicity and immunodominance.

To support this work, we have developed innovative platforms for the efficient discovery and characterization of rare antigen-specific B cells—tools designed to be broadly applicable across immunology. Ultimately, this research seeks to inform improved strategies for immunological risk assessment and enhance graft outcomes in transplant patients.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in immunology or a closely related field and possess extensive experience in molecular and cellular biology. The candidate should be highly motivated to conduct clinically relevant research and committed to maintaining rigorous scientific standards. Required technical expertise includes molecular biology and associated bioinformatics, flow cytometry, and experience with both primary cells and cell line culture.

In addition to technical proficiency, strong project management, leadership, and organizational skills are essential. The candidate will be responsible for overseeing technicians and managing multiple routine and exploratory projects simultaneously in a dynamic research environment. Close mentorship will be provided by the PI, Dr. Song, and a team of senior investigators across basic, translational, and clinical sciences, with a strong emphasis on developing scientific independence, leading first-author publications, and advancing…