Duke University

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.

The Ur-BIOME Research Program at Duke University, led by Dr. Nazema Siddiqui in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s Division of Urogynecology, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our team. We invite individuals with expertise in microbiology, immunology, systems biology, or computational biology to contribute to innovative research on the female urogenital microbiome.

This postdoctoral opportunity is co-funded through the NIH-funded KURe (K12 Urologic Research Career Development) Program, which provides structured career development, interdisciplinary mentorship, and additional support to early-career scientists pursuing research in benign urology. Eligible candidates will have access to KURe program resources to enhance their trajectory toward research independence.

The Ur-BIOME program focuses on translational, laboratory-based, and mechanistic studies aimed at understanding how host-microbe interactions impact conditions such as recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) and overactive bladder (OAB). Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. in a relevant biological or computational field, with strong analytical, laboratory, or multi-omics skills, and a passion for advancing women's health research.

Key Research Focus Areas

The successful applicant will contribute to following projects within the Ur-BIOME program:

• Vaginal Probiotic Colonization: Studying clinical and biological factors associated with successful colonization of Lactobacillus crispatus in the vaginal and urinary microbiome, using biospecimens from an interventional trial.
• Humanized Mouse Model of UTI: We use germ-free mice colonized with human lactobacilli to study how estrogen and microbial exposures shape bladder health and infection outcomes.
• Multi-Omics Analysis in OAB: Analysis of vaginal and urinary microbiomes, host transcriptomics, and metabolomics to define OAB phenotypes using samples from large human cohort studies.
• Community Engagement and Advocacy: Additional efforts include promoting evidence-based prevention, patient advocacy, and raising awareness around rUTI and bladder health

Minimum Requirements:

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.). Should be used for post-doctoral fellows if the candidate has completed all of the requirements for a degree, but the degree has not been formally conferred; 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.

Other Credential/Experiential Requirements: The incumbent must be a true post-doctoral fellow registered with the Post Doc Office and per the following requirements:

• The term of this appointment is limited (5 years with a possible extension for an additional year)
• The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship, which may include teaching responsibilities.
• The appointment is viewed as preparatory for a full time academic or research career.
• The appointment is not part of a clinical research training program, unless research training under the supervision of a senior mentor is a primary purpose of the appointment.
• The appointee works under the supervision of a scholar or a department at Duke University.
• The appointee has the freedom, and is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. in microbiology, immunology, systems biology, molecular biology, computational biology, or a

related field.

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: microbiome research, animal models, immunology, high dimensional

omics analysis, or mass spectrometry.

• Strong data analysis skills using R, Python, or equivalent.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
• Enthusiasm for women’s health and microbial ecology.

Be Bold.

Position Description:

Science & Lab Work:

• Design, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments using molecular and microbiological techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, culturing bacteria, (dd)PCR).
• Assist with or lead multi-omics analyses including 16S, metagenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics.
• Manage and process human biospecimens and/or murine samples, in coordination with lab staff.
• Perform work with animal models.
• Maintain documentation of protocols and ensure reproducibility in experiments.

Data & Analysis:

• Collaborate with data scientists to analyze host and microbial data using statistical, bioinformatic, or

machine learning approaches.

• Contribute to the integration of spatial, immune, and microbiome data to better define mechanisms

underlying bladder health and disease.

• Prepare visualizations, figures, and reports for team meetings and publications.
• Contribute to publications, grant proposals, and scientific presentations.

Leadership & Team Engagement:

• Actively participate in team meetings and scientific discussions with collaborators.
• Contribute to mentorship of undergraduate or graduate students and support training activities.
• Help foster a collaborative and intellectually vibrant research culture.

Training & Career Development

The Ur-BIOME and KURe Programs provide a rich environment for career development, with opportunities to:

• Present at national and international meetings.
• Build multi-PI collaborations within Duke and across institutions.
• Receive structured mentoring for future independent research careers.
• Gain experience in manuscript and grant writing, regulatory science, and team leadership.

Additional Information

• This position does not involve clinical research with patients, but human subjects research training will be required due to work with human specimens and associated metadata.
• The position is grant-funded and renewable, pending satisfactory performance and funding availability.
• This position is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.

Choose Duke.

Join our award-winning team and be part of an inclusive culture that values excellence, innovation, and discovery. Duke University is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide and is renowned for its cutting-edge research across disciplines. Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from Duke's competitive benefits package, including health insurance plans, generous paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, tuition assistance for employees and their children, and more.

Screening of Applications: Screening continues until the position is filled. For best consideration, apply by March 1, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range based on NIH salary levels based on experience. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate 's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at https://hr.duke.edu/benefits

Duke is an 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 (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe 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.

Read Full Description