Postdoctoral Associate

About the role

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. Be Bold. Choose Duke. Postdoctoral Associate, Vision Science & Retinal Disease Research Be You. At Duke University, groundbreaking discoveries begin with talented individuals who are passionate about advancing science and improving lives. As a Postdoctoral Associate in the laboratory of Dr. Vadim Arshavsky at the Albert Eye Research Institute, you will join a world-class research environment dedicated to uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms of vision and retinal disease. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative research focused on the development and maintenance of the light-sensitive cilium in vertebrate photoreceptor cells and to advance understanding of inherited retinal degenerations. Working within a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, you will engage in cutting-edge basic and translational research that has the potential to shape future therapies for blinding disorders. We welcome highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals who are eager to expand their scientific expertise while contributing to meaningful discoveries in vision science.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of vision.
• Study the biological processes responsible for building and maintaining the specialized light-sensitive cilium of vertebrate photoreceptor cells.
• Explore pathophysiological mechanisms underlying inherited retinal degenerations.
• Design, perform, and optimize molecular, cellular, and biochemical experiments.
• Utilize animal models to study retinal biology and disease processes.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support scientific discovery.
• Present research findings to laboratory members, collaborators, and scientific audiences.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, scientific publications, and conference presentations.
• Participate in scholarly discussions that advance the field of vision science.
• Work closely with faculty, trainees, and interdisciplinary research teams.
• Engage in a vibrant academic environment that supports mentorship, innovation, and career growth.
• Contribute to a collaborative culture focused on scientific excellence and discovery.

Requirements

• PhD or MD/PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Strong background in molecular biology and cell biology.
• Experience working with animal models.
• Demonstrated scientific curiosity, initiative, and commitment to research excellence.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team.

Qualifications

• Research experience related to vision science, neuroscience, cell biology, genetics, or retinal disease.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication abilities.
• Interest in developing new technical skills and innovative experimental approaches.
• Passion for advancing the understanding of vision and retinal disease mechanisms.

Benefits

• Access to exceptional research