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 Silver lab at Duke University School of Medicine seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow for a fully funded position in our lab. Our lab investigates mechanisms by which the brain is assembled during embryonic development, as well as how development is disrupted in neurodevelopmental disease and co-opted during brain evolution. We employ a multifaceted strategy to bridge developmental neurobiology, RNA biology, and evolution. We are especially interested in understanding: How does post-transcriptional control shape neural cell fate and disease? We have discovered canonical and non-canonical mechanisms by which RNA regulation controls development and disease. Eg. PLoS Genetics, 2025 and Cell Reports, 2024. How are sub-cellular functions and gene expression compartmentalized in cortical progenitors? We have discovered that mRNA localization and local translation in polarized neural progenitors is essential for development. Eg. Neuron, 2023 and bioRxiv, 2025. How is human-specific brain development achieved? We have discovered human-specific enhancers that control neural progenitor potency and brain size. Eg. Nature, 2025 and Cell Stem Cell, 2026. Learn more about our interests, motivations and discoveries: https://sites.duke.edu/silverlab/. We are especially interested in candidates excited to contribute to a new NIH program project with other Duke labs on kinase signaling across development. Minimum Requirements: PhD in Neurobiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field This position is: Onsite. The work is performed on-site or at a designated assignment location. Be Bold. The successful applicant must be highly motivated, hard-working, collaborative, and passionate about brain development. Successful applicants must have a strong scientific record of productivity and creativity. Previous experience in cortical development is a plus, but not a prerequisite. However, experience in relevant fields of development
