Postdoctoral Associate

Position Description

Occupational Summary

The Center on Genomics, Race, Identity, Difference (GRID) in the Social Science Research Institute at Duke University invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Associate position.

The successful candidate will work directly with Dr. Charmaine Royal (director of GRID) along with a multidisciplinary team to conduct mentored independent and collaborative Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) research. The primary research project is focused on identifying and assessing novel policy implications of ancestry-informed genomic research practices to develop recommendations for precision medicine initiatives. The candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to other related funded research such as a multi-site project exploring the influences of gene-environment interplay on pain experiences among individuals living with sickle cell disease.

This post-doctorate position provides up to 3 years of individualized mentored research and career development, from cultivating a distinctive research agenda to exploring and navigating academic and other relevant career pathways. It is designed to support the development of an early career scientist interested in becoming a leading independent scholar at the intersection of genomics, health equity, and ELSI research.

Work Performed

 Design and conduct normative and/or empirical research on ethical, legal, and policy issues related to ancestry-informed genomic research practices and precision medicine initiatives.

 Lead and contribute to manuscripts for publication in top journals and other scholarly outlets relevant to research interests and findings.

 Contribute to the development of guidelines, policy recommendations, and educational resources pertaining to research interests.

 Present research findings and other research outputs to diverse audiences at local, national, and international scholarly and public seminars, conferences, and other meetings.

 Lead and participate in the preparation of grant applications.

 Organize and contribute to research meetings and workshops.

 Participate in educational activities and mentoring students, as appropriate.

 Participate in various short-term academic and professional development opportunities, such as courses or workshops that will enhance the scholar’s knowledge and skills relevant to areas of research interest.

 Perform any other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training: Work requires communication, analytical, and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a PhD degree or equivalent doctorate in a field related to the research, such as human genetics and genomics, STS (science, technology, and society) studies, social and behavioral sciences, public health, public policy, bioethics, law, and/or medicine. The doctoral degree must be completed before application submission.

Experience: At least six months of applicable post-graduate research experience or any other equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

A record of or strong potential for scholarly productivity, including leadership roles on academic publications and presentations.

Experience with genomic, qualitative, quantitative, normative, legal, and/or mixed-methods research.

Skills: Strong written and oral communication skills, including translating interdisciplinary work to various audiences

Careful attention to detail

Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills

Flexibility and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines

Ability to work well both independently and as a member of collaborative and diverse teams

Preferred Qualifications
Training in genomics research, e.g., computational genomics, population genetics, molecular genetics

Duke University 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 (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.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit:
 Cover letter, including a research statement, relevant expertise, and interest in the position
 Current CV
 A writing sample
 Contact information for two professional or academic references

The application deadline is October 31, 2026.

Duke University
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, ethnicity, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy
related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke University 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.