Postdoctoral Associate in Biology

Position Details

Job Title: Postdoctoral Associate

Location: Durham, NC, US 27710

School/Department: School of Medicine – Department of Cell Biology, Tata Lab

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Requisition Number: 266941

Employment Type: Regular

Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Appointment Term: Minimum one year, renewable; limited to 5 years with possible extension for one additional year

About the Lab

The Tata lab studies cellular plasticity mechanisms in lung injury repair and tumorigenesis, focusing on:

• Genetic and epigenetic basis of organ regeneration and cancer
• Properties of stem/progenitor cells in epithelial tissues (primary focus: lung)
• Interactions between tissues in pathophysiological conditions

Research Methods Include:

• In vivo mouse genetics
• Live imaging and 3D organoids
• Genome-wide Cas9/CRISPR functional screens
• Next-generation sequencing and single-cell analysis

Lab Website: https://www.cellbio.duke.edu/purushothama-rao-tata/

Responsibilities

• Design, perform, and analyze experiments
• Interpret and discuss results with the PI
• Assist graduate and undergraduate students in the lab
• Write and submit manuscripts
• Apply for postdoctoral fellowships and contribute to larger lab grants

Expectations:

• Adhere to standards of responsible conduct in research
• Maintain lab records/notebooks
• Follow safety and compliance protocols (chemicals, isotopes, animals, human subjects, etc.)
• Open communication with mentor
• Collegial conduct and professionalism
• Intellectual property disclosure

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. or equivalent (Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.) in biological sciences or related field
• Degree requirements may be met but not yet conferred

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong background in transcriptional regulation, cell biology, molecular biology, mouse models, and biochemistry
• Experience with stem cells, Cas9/CRISPR, 3D organoid cultures, chromatin biology, bioinformatics
• Evidence of successful research (publications)
• Independent work, data interpretation, and communication skills

Other Requirements:

• Eligibility for postdoctoral fellowship registration at Duke
• Research-focused appointment (may include teaching responsibilities)
• Preparatory for academic/research career
• Freedom to publish research outcomes

Salary

Commensurate with NIH guidelines and applicant experience

Application Instructions

• Submit via email to: purushothamarao.tata@duke.edu
• Include: CV, statement of interest, relevant manuscripts, and names of three references
• Apply online: Duke University Jobs Portal
• Screening continues until position is filled

Equal Opportunity Statement

Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment is offered without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or military status

Duke values collaboration, innovation, creativity, and inclusion

Physical Job Functions

May require specific physical or mental abilities; accommodations provided per department