Research Scientist, 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 2,500 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.

 

Be You.

 

Occupational Summary 

The Achanta Lab is seeking a highly motivated Veterinary Research Scientist/Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join our dynamic team. The title will be designated based on the Duke University School of Medicine guidelines and commensurate with the experience of the candidate. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and collaborate on a broad portfolio of translational research projects focused on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute heart failure, myocardial infarction, and pain models. Our work is supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), federal sub-contract projects, and industry partners. 

 

Work Performed 

While our group employs in vitro, rodent, and non-rodent models, this role will focus primarily on non-rodent translational models. 

The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience with a variety of cutting-edge techniques, with extensive training provided to support skill development where needed. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design, conduct, and analyze translational studies in non-rodent models. 

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to achieve study objectives. 

• Contribute to data interpretation, scientific writing, and dissemination of results. 

• Participate in lab operations, including early-morning, late-evening, and occasional weekend work to ensure optimal study conduct and animal welfare. 

• Commute as needed to satellite research facilities (~13 minutes from main lab). 

 

Training and Career Development: 

The Achanta Lab operates under a mentorship compact designed to support both professional and personal growth. Depending on career goals, mentorship opportunities will include: 

• Career planning and scientific development. 

• Writing, grantsmanship, and conference presentation training. 

• Guidance for American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) or American College of Animal Welfare (ACAW) board certification, including structured support for residency pathways or board-certification under alternate experience route. 

• Guidance to become board-certified by American Board of Toxicology 

• Outreach, communication, and leadership skill development. 

 

Position Details: 

• Renewable, multi-year appointment contingent upon performance and funding. 

• Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and institutional guidelines. 

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a veterinarian or postdoctoral scientist seeking to build a career at the interface of translational medicine, cardiopulmonary research, and laboratory animal science. 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Education/Experience 

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M) or equivalent degrees (BVSc, VMD, BVM) is required. Candidates with D.V.M and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) will be preferred. Licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the United States is preferred but not required. 

 

Other Credential/Experiential Requirements: While we are open to fresh graduates, preference will be given to candidates with at least one year of veterinary clinical practice or working experience with laboratory animals in a research setting 

 

Min Degree Requirements: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.). Other Credential/Experiential Requirements: 10+ years of postdoctoral experience conducting scientific research. Multiple publications and notable significant contributions to scientific research.