New

Postdoctoral Associate

Duke Clinical Research Institute

Jul 30, 2026
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. Postdoctoral Associate Positions in Regeneration Genomics Diao Lab, Duke University School of Medicine The Diao Lab in the Department of Cell Biology at Duke University School of Medicine has multiple openings for postdoctoral fellows. We are seeking highly motivated candidates to join our research program in regeneration genomics. Our laboratory develops and applies cutting-edge genomics and proteomics technologies to understand how gene regulation and chromatin organization control cell fate, tissue regeneration, aging, and disease. About the Diao Lab The PI, Dr. Yarui Diao, is a tenured Associate Professor of Cell Biology at Duke University School of Medicine. He received his Ph.D. training in cell biology, studying skeletal muscle regeneration, followed by postdoctoral training in genomics and epigenomics. The Diao Lab's recent studies on gene regulation, stem cell biology, genome organization, and tissue regeneration have been published in leading journals, including Molecular Cell 2022, Nature Genetics 2023, Journal of Cell Biology 2023, Genome Medicine 2023, Nature Cell Biology 2025, and Nature Biotechnology 2026. The lab has been continuously supported by federal funding from NIH and the Department of Defense since 2020, including multiple R01, U01, R35, RF1, R33, R21, and DOD Idea Development Award grants. The Diao Lab is committed to making fundamental discoveries and training the next generation of scientists in biomedical research. Our Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows have published in strong journals, secured prestigious research awards and fellowships, and advanced to leading institutions and companies for postdoctoral training, tenure-track faculty positions, and scientist positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Qualifications Applicants should have a Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree in biology, genetics, genomics, molecular biology, cell biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, immunology, bioengineering, or a related field. Candidates with experience in genomics, epigenomics, single-cell technologies, stem cell biology, muscle biology, aging, immunology, gene and cell therapy, computational analysis, or animal models are especially encouraged to apply. Strong motivation, scientific creativity, careful experimental design, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential. This position is Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location. Be Bold. We are recruiting postdoctoral fellows in the following research areas: 1. Regenerative immunotherapy and CAR T-based approaches for tissue repair The postdoctoral fellow will develop and apply cell-based therapeutic strategies, including CAR T approaches, to target pathogenic cell states and improve tissue repair in diseases involving muscle damage, fibrosis, ischemia, and degeneration. 2. Transposable elements in aging and degenerative disease The postdoctoral fellow will develop and apply cutting-edge genomics and proteomics approaches to investigate the mechanisms by which transposable elements function as gene regulatory elements, as well as their pathological roles in aging, regeneration, and degenerative disorders. 3. Epigenomics, genome organization, and single-cell multi-omics technologies The postdoctoral fellow will develop and apply cutting-edge single-cell, multi-omic, and perturbation approaches to study the fundamental mechanisms of genome organization, chromatin architecture, enhancer-promoter communication, disease risk variants, and gene regulatory networks in development, regeneration, and disease. Research models may include patient samples, mouse models, and iPSC-derived brain and cardiac organoids. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment that combines genomics technology development, stem cell and regeneration biology, disease modeling, computational biology, and translational research. Fellows will be encouraged to develop independent research directions, publish high-impact studies, present at national and international conferences, apply for fellowships and career development awards, and prepare for independent academic or industry careers. Choose Duke. Application Materials Submit your application through the Duke Careers website. Interested applicants should also send the following materials to Dr. Yarui Diao at diaolabjobs@duke.edu: Cover letter describing research interests, prior training, and career goals Curriculum vitae Contact information for three references Representative publications or preprints, if available Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. 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. 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.