Postdoctoral Research in Aging

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 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Occupational Summary

Conduct independent research activities in the field of aging under the guidance of a faculty mentor for the principal purpose of developing the individual's research skills for his/her primary benefit. This postdoctoral appointment is part of the Duke University Aging Center’s NIA-funded T32 Postdoctoral Research Training Program.  This multidisciplinary program is focused on developing the next generation of researchers in the field of aging, and competitive candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in aging research.

 

The activities of the individual in this role do not constitute performance of services (i.e., work). Therefore, the Postdoctoral Scholar acting within the terms of such an award does not have an employee-employer relationship with the University. This classification is used as a placeholder to allow for participation in limited benefits, as outlined in Section 7-B of the Duke University Postdoctoral Policy, effective April 1, 2008.

 

Work Performed

• The Postdoctoral Appointee holds a PhD or equivalent doctorate (e.g. ScD, MD, DVM). Candidates with non-US degrees may be required to provide proof of degree equivalency.
• A candidate may also be appointed to a postdoctoral position if the candidate has completed all of the requirements for a degree but the degree has not been formally conferred: in this case, the candidate may present evidence of completion of the degree requirements, together with a statement documenting the date on which the degree is to be conferred. If the degree is not conferred by this projected date, the postdoctoral appointment may be terminated.
• The postdoctoral appointment is funded by NIA T32 training grant AG000029, which requires that all appointees be United States citizens or legal permanent residents.  Any candidate who does not meet these requirements is not eligible for the postdoctoral appointment.
• The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of appointment).
• The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship, and may include teaching responsibilities. The appointment is generally preparatory for a full time academic or research career.
• The appointment is not part of a clinical training program, unless research training under the supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment.
• The Postdoctoral Appointee functions under the supervision of a mentor or a department at Duke University.
• The Postdoctoral Appointee is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

 

EXPECTATION

• The conscientious discharge of research or scholarship responsibilities, which may include teaching responsibilities for Postdoctoral Associates Conformance to standards of responsible conduct in research Compliance with good scholarly and research practice
• Maintenance of a laboratory notebook and/or other comparable records of research activity, which remains the property of Duke University upon termination
• Adherence to University standards regarding use of isotopes, chemicals, infectious agents, animals, human subjects, and the like
• Open and timely discussion with the mentor regarding all facets of the Postdoctoral Appointee's research activities. Postdoctoral Appointees are encouraged to consult the AAMC Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors for suggested guidelines for the Postdoctoral Appointee-mentor relationship
• Prompt disclosure to the mentor regarding the possession and desire to distribute materials, reagents, software, copyrightable and potentially patentable discoveries derived from the Postdoctoral Appointee's research.
• Collegial conduct towards members of the research group and others as d