Postdoctoral Associate

Be You.

Duke University School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology

The Bohorquez Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to join its research team and explore how the brain recognizes ingested foods. This position offers an exciting opportunity to study the sensory neurobiology of the gastrointestinal tract, with a particular focus on how macro nutrients are detected and how those signals influence behavior.

You will contribute to innovative research investigating the relationship between gastrointestinal sensory receptors and behavior while gaining hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory and molecular research techniques.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in biology, nutrition, animal science, biomedical science, or a related field.
• A minimum of four years of graduate-level training and research experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or expertise in sensory neurobiology, electrophysiology, gastrointestinal biology, nutrition, or a related research field.
• Experience with laboratory bench research and experimental techniques.
• Familiarity with molecular and cellular biology methods, animal research, and behavioral studies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present research findings.

Other Requirements

• Experience working with laboratory animals, including mouse inventory, breeding, genotyping, weaning, general care, surgery, and behavioral studies.
• Experience with cell dissociation, cell culture, PCR, molecular assays, and/or RNA sequencing is preferred.
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and chemical inventories.
• Ability to assist with purchasing, laboratory operations, and communications with oversight bodies.
• Participation in weekly laboratory meetings and Journal Club activities.
• Ability to provide regular updates on research activities and progress.

This position is onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.

Be Bold.

As a Postdoctoral Associate in the Bohorquez Laboratory, you will:

• Conduct laboratory bench research focused on the sensory neurobiology of the gastrointestinal tract, including the study of bitter-compound receptors and related behaviors.
• Perform mouse research activities, including inventory, breeding, genotyping, weaning, general care, surgery, and behavioral experiments.
• Apply cellular and molecular research techniques, including cell dissociation, cell culture, chemical and molecular assays, PCR, and RNA sequencing.
• Analyze research data and communicate findings through oral and written presentations, publications, and grant applications.
• Support laboratory operations by assisting with purchasing, maintaining chemical inventories, coordinating communications with oversight bodies, and providing regular research updates.

Choose Duke.

Duke University is a world-renowned institution recognized for its commitment to groundbreaking research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Joining the Bohorquez Laboratory provides an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of gastrointestinal sensory biology, neuroscience, and behavior.

You will work in a collaborative research environment that values scientific discovery, professional development, and the advancement of knowledge with potential implications for understanding how the body and brain respond to food.