Research Associate, Senior

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.

Role Overview

The Senior Research Associate will work closely with Dr. Christopher Nicchitta (PI) to advance the laboratories NIH funded scientific research goals. While overall scientific direction is led by the PI, this role carries significant responsibility for the  independent development of research projects and research directions.  The position requires creative thinking, technical proficiency, data management, statistical analysis, and a leadership role in manuscript preparation.

Nicchitta Lab Research Focus

Our laboratory investigates how cells control the location and timing of protein synthesis, with a focus on mRNA localization—the process by which mRNAs are targeted to specific sites within the cell to direct protein production. This spatial and temporal regulation is essential for cell signaling, division, and overall cellular dynamics.

We study mRNA localization to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where this process occurs on an unusually large scale. While the ER has long been recognized as the translation site for mRNAs encoding secretory and membrane proteins, our research has revealed that the ER functions far more broadly, supporting translation across the transcriptome. In particular, we have shown that newly exported mRNAs are preferentially translated on the ER, a process we hypothesize is coupled to RNA quality-control mechanisms during the pioneer rounds of translation.

Our recent work has also uncovered links between ER-directed mRNA localization and the pathways governing stress granule (SG) biogenesis. We are currently investigating how transcriptional status influences mRNA recruitment into SGs, the mechanisms that determine which mRNAs are selected, and the role of ER-associated sites in organizing SG assembly.

To address these questions, we combine biochemistry, cell biology, advanced imaging, genomics, and computational biology. Current research themes include:

1. Cis-encoded signals and targeting mechanisms – defining mRNA sequence elements and cellular factors that direct ER localization. Beyond the canonical SRP pathway, our CRISPR/Cas studies have revealed additional, pathway-independent routes that recruit even cytosolic and nucleoplasmic mRNAs to the ER.
2. RNA-binding proteins and stress responses – investigating how RNA-binding proteins mediate mRNA localization to the ER and regulate selective mRNA recruitment into SGs. Approaches include optical imaging, nucleoside analog pulse-labeling, cell fractionation, proteomics, ribosome footprinting, and RNA-seq methods (including 4SU-RNAseq).

Through these studies, our goal is to uncover fundamental principles of RNA regulation, quality control, and cellular organization.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Have a PhD in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology with a minimum of 5 years postdoctoral experience
• Demonstrate advanced expertise in wet lab experimental systems, tissue cell culture, molecular biology, cell biology, and RNA biology.
• Have a strong track record of leading manuscripts and contributing to grant development
• Are comfortable working both independently and collaboratively to move projects forward
• Are highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to rigorous, reproducible science

Preferred Qualifications: 

• A strong track record in RNA biology, stress granule biology, and/or related fields
• Ability to operate independently and develop new research directions
• Strong proficiency in the analysis of biochemical and cell biological datasets
• Experience mentoring trainees or junior analysts

This position is

• Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location.