POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

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.

Duke University Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences

The Duke Transdisciplinary Otolaryngology Research, Community Health and Equity (Duke TORCHE) Lab in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in cancer epidemiology. Duke TORCHE is a team-based, transdisciplinary lab that uses population lens in investigating cancer prevention, from primary to tertiary prevention and cancer health outcomes. Across this spectrum, we investigate head and neck cancer prevention through risk mitigation, early detection, surveillance, control, survivorship, quality of life, health disparities and social determinants of health. Our projects are both US-based and international, and given our transdisciplinary focus, our projects are diverse; with exciting ongoing grant-funded and pre- funded projects that include big-data, population health studies, mental health aspects of head and neck cancer outcomes, human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccine and oropharyngeal cancer, and genetic and biological basis for disparities in head and neck cancer. The appointment is for a year and will a potential to be renewed for another year based on performance and funding.

If interested, please contact Erika Juhlin (erika.juhlin@duke.edu).

• Provide scientific input for research activities such as proposal and manuscript development, project management, engaging with other data analysts, students, post- docs and faculty on the team
• Conduct comprehensive high-throughput multi-omics data analysis and epidemiological analyses;
• Apply biostatistics and cancer epidemiology methods relevant to cancer and population health, especially for secondary data analysis;
• Develop advanced statistical methodology, causal inferences in observational data, quasi- experimental methods, including but not limited to difference-in-difference analyses
• Develop and apply biostatistical and bioinformatics methods and pipelines to integrate genetic and epidemiological data for novel cancer susceptibility loci
• Conduct systematic reviews, meta-analyses and meta-regression techniques
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and abstracts, posters and PowerPoints for scientific conferences.
• Assist in grant proposal writing for lab grants
• Mentor undergraduate or graduate students

• Doctoral qualification in epidemiology, biostatistics, computational biology, public health, genetics, or a closely related field with 2+ years practical research experience preferred.
• Master’s degree with at least 3 years of research experience will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of epidemiological methods and study design
• Strong experience in statistical genetics, omics technologies and their data analysis
• Proficiency in programming language (e.g., R, Python), statistical software (e.g. SAS) and bioinformatics tools
• Familiarity with data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, natural language processing and applications to electronic health records and big data and bioinformatics research
• Demonstrated ability to publish research findings in high-impact journals
• Commitment to writing an NIH or other federal or industry funded grants. Specifically, it is an expectation that the candidate, if eligible, would apply for a supplement on existing NIH grants. Additionally, there will be opportunities and an expectation for qualified postdocs to apply for a K99/R00, a K01, or other appropriate career development award leading to independent research

• Research experience in cancer epidemiology and understanding of cancer biology
• Excellent analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Expert knowledge and practical experience in study design, sampling approaches, data cleaning and management, and advanced statistical methods
• Familiar with functional annotation and pathway analysis tools
• Experience in machining learning methods in omics analysis
• Experience with high-performance computing and cloud-based analysis platform
• Previous experience in grant writing and manuscript preparation
• Previous experience mentoring junior researchers or students
• Commitment to career development leading to independent research as part of a vibrant, transdisciplinary team

• Current CV
• Cover letter
• Statement of research
• Two writing samples (reflecting independent writing)
• Names of three references

The Duke TORCHE Lab and the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences aspire to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, equity, and inclusivity of others without biases or prejudice of any kind. Our collective success depends on a robust exchange of ideas - an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, we are committed to diversity in the staff and faculty we hire, the policies we create, and the decisions we make.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. 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.

Essential Physical Job Functions: 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.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. 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.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob 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.