Research Associate, Senior

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Role Overview

The Senior Research Associate will work closely withDr. 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.

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Core Responsibilities

Research Contribution/Project Advancement: The Senior Research Associate will be expected to develop a research program into molecular mechanisms of mRNA recruitment into stress granules, with a focus on identifying the molecular components and regulation of this process. As it is likely that these processes intersect with homeostatic mechanisms of mRNA export coupled subcellular localization, it will be important to direct research that examines interactions between pathways for mRNA localization and mRNA recruitment into stress granules. This role requires the ability to take ownership of key scientific areas and move them forward efficiently, while working in close coordination with the PI.

Research Design and Analysis: The Senior Research Associate will lead and execute wet lab experiments investigating mechanisms of mRNA localization and recruitment to different subcellular locales, with a focus on newly exported mRNAs. This includes developing and implementing experimental protocols, rigorous data analysis, establishing rigor and reproducibility, and advancing data to publication-ready figures.

Manuscripts and Scientific Productivity: The Senior Research Associate will contribute substantively to advancing the primary research focus of the lab, as well as developing independent lines of research. As is expected of a Senior Research Associate, additional responsibilities include independently drafting and revising manuscripts.

Mentorship and Team Development: The Senior Research Associate will provide mentorship and oversight to graduate and post-doctoral trainees in experimental design, troubleshooting, figure preparation, and manuscript writing. It is all expected that the Senior Research Associate will assist in the operational management of the laboratory.

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About the Duke Environment

Duke University provides a highly collaborative and resource-rich environment for interdisciplinary research. The Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology offers access to extensive research expertise, instrument support, optical imaging resources, and a strongly collaborative research culture.

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 on the 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.