Research Associate, Senior

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

The School is composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff. It is part of Duke Health, which also includes the Duke University School of Nursing and Duke University Health System, encompassing Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, and Duke Health and Wellness.

The Tarrant and Hershfield labs are seeking a motivated and skilled structural biochemist to join our team in the study of immunodeficiency diseases, inborn errors of immunity, and purine metabolism. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in structural biology and protein engineering, with practical laboratory experience in recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization.

• PhD in Structural Biochemistry with experience in protein engineering, purification of challenging targets, design and mutagenesis.
• Greater than 5 years of postdoctoral training.

• Ability to produce tagged and isotopically labelled proteins.
• Proficiency with ion exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and HPLC.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Hands‑on experience with one or more structural biology techniques: NMR spectroscopy, X‑ray crystallography, mass spectrometry.
• Experience conducting protein–protein interaction studies and biochemical/biophysical characterization.

• Onsite. The work is performed on‑site or at a designated assignment location.

• Design and execute experiments to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying immunodeficiency diseases and purine metabolism, specifically adenosine deaminase 2.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences.

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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.

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.