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The Hemmers lab at Duke University School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in the Department of Integrative Immunobiology. Our lab studies how complex tissue cues are integrated and imprinted resulting in functionally distinct immune cells. The two settings we are focused on are the integration of developmental cues during early perinatal life and of pathological cues associated with tissue-damage in settings of neuro-inflammation.

The ontogeny of the immune system from fetus to adult comprises the sequential emergence of immune cells developing from distinct types of hematopoietic stem cells. Distinct developmental waves of gd T cells and B cells have long been appreciated. A hallmark of this layered immune system model is that these successively arising cells are functionally distinct. Historically, ab T cells were viewed as a homogenous lineage of immature cells that mature once they encounter antigen. However, new studies have provided evidence that both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells also feature distinct developmental waves suggesting that neonatal T cells represent a functionally unique subset of lymphocytes. Currently, our understanding of the contribution of neonatal T cells to immunity in adulthood is hampered by the lack of a marker of ontogeny. Therefore, we utilize genetic timestamping approaches in combination with  high parameter spectral flow cytometry, single cell transcriptomics and imaging analyses to study how neonatal-derived T cells contribute to tissue health and disease in adulthood. What is the relative contribution of neonatal T cells to the adult T cell pool? Does it vary based on cell type or tissue? What are their functional outputs, and can we harvest this knowledge therapeutically?

Individuals with a background in immunology, single cell computational biology, neurobiology, or molecular biology are highly encouraged to apply. Candidates should have a strong laboratory and analytical skills and have an interest/experience in working with mouse models. Ideal candidates will be self-driven, creative, and highly collaborative.

Degree requirement: Ph.D. in immunology, microbiology, molecular biology or a related filed (either have or will have shortly)

Skills

Successful candidates for this position must:

• Be capable of working independently and within a group
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have strong oral and written English communication
• Have strong laboratory and analytical skills

Application

If you are interested in being part of our growing highly dynamic and diverse team of scientists studying T cell biology utilizing a wide variety of cellular immunology, transcriptomics and mouse genetic approaches, please send a cover letter with a description of your research interests and past experience, CV, and contact information for references to Saskia Hemmers (saskia.hemmers@duke.edu ).

The lab offers a vibrant and rigorous training environment for postdoctoral fellows. Duke also provides a robust training community for postdoctoral associates, supported by the both the Office of Postdoctoral Services (https://postdoc.duke.edu/ ) and the Duke University Postdoc Association (https://dukepostdocs.org/ ). Duke is a world-renowned university and medical center located in the town of Durham, within the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, in proximity to NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill. The town of Durham is well-known for its vibrant arts, food, and craft beer scene and has been named the “the South’s Tastiest Town.” In addition, it has great access to outdoor activities and is situated two hours from the NC coast and three hours from the mountains.

Job Code: 00003820 POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE
Job Level: 00

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