Careers

The Department of Neurosurgery offers a range of employment opportunities for health care professionals interested in pursuing a career in an environment that promotes both professional and academic excellence.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

To apply for any of these positions, go to careers.duke.edu  and search by corresponding requisition number.

Openings

Updated 2/1/2023

 

Research Scholar  213911
A position is available in the Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program. The program  has a singular, all-encompassing goal: to develop novel, safe, and effective immune-based therapies for patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors. Our preclinical and clinical projects are spearheaded by an outstanding complement of graduate students, medical students, research associates, postdoctoral fellows, and junior and senior scientists assembled under the umbrella of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke.

Immunotherapeutic approaches include dendritic cell vaccines, peptide vaccines, protein vaccines, biologics such as antibodies, bispecific antibodies, oncolytic viruses, recombinant chemokines/cytokines T cell based and other cellular therapies. These immunotherapeutic strategies are to be evaluated in immunocompetent and immunocompromised preclinical models. The research associate will have access to all laboratory equipment and supplies necessary within the  Brain Tumor Center. As needed, the research associate may be asked to assist the team with other studies as well.

This position will involve basic and translational research focused on glioma and microenvironment cell state and immune interactions and how these change during glioma evolution, how this interfaces with response and resistance to immunotherapy We have a hybrid dry and wet lab allowing us to generate and analyze data from emerging technologies including single cell genomics/proteomics to better answer our biologically-driven questions. Candidates will be encouraged to pursue studies on glioma and glioma microenvironment, or to shape their own projects using the trial and omics and the datasets and tools that are available to the lab. Postdoctoral associates have the opportunity to leverage the large convergence of glioma datasets from international collaborations and from large clinical trials using an extremely sophisticated computational and technological infrastructure. We have a broad collaborative network, both institutionally as well as externally.

Our institution is well equipped with cutting edge technology. Combined, we offer a supportive environment that is highly conducive to effectively working towards a great future.

If you are a PhD-level or MD-level scientist with first author publications and an interest in cancer genomics, we strongly encourage you to apply! We look for candidates with computational expertise and preferable previous work in cancer.

 

Lab Research Analyst II  200729
A lab in the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke,  the Department of Neurosurgery,  is looking for a Lab Research Analyst II. This candidate will work with a highly collaborative team of researchers and clinicians to study the immune system and immunotherapy treatment in specialized laboratory techniques in the analysis of materials related to brain tumor research. This role will also work with the Brain Tumor Center director for coordinating cores, and adding/changing core locations as needed.

The ideal candidate will have: a Bachelor’s degree in biology, or related field, Must be familiar with Microsoft software (Excel, Work, PowerPoint), Must be detail-oriented, well organized, and have strong communication skills and a background working within a clinical team (nurses, doctors, etc) is a plus.

 

CRS, Senior  222755
Duke Neurosurgery performs a variety of research in both adults and pediatric patients.  Trials involving research for Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, other movement disorders, rare genetic disorders, bleeding and/or tumors of the brain, epilepsy, and chronic pain are just some of what our department loves to invest our time and effort towards. We are involved in device trials as well as drug trials. Studies may be complex with randomization, blinding, crossovers, etc., as well as non-complex studies such as registries, specimen collection, and observational studies.  We have a diverse research group that love working together as a team, are very supportive of one another, and have our own core team values.  This position will assist with study level documentation and approvals for international studies. Under supervision, assists with managing investigational products including arrival, storage, and handling (requisitions, inventory, and reordering). Under supervision, prepares for study monitoring and audit visits.

The ideal candidate will have: An Associate’s degree with 2 years of experience or Bachelor's Degree. Must be familiar with Microsoft software (Excel, Work, PowerPoint), Must be detail-oriented, well organized, and have strong communication skills and a background working within a clinical team (nurses, doctors, etc) is a plus.

 

Digital Marketing & Communications Strategist for Development  225808
The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke is seeking a candidate who will enthusiastically support  the ideation, implementation, and optimization of an integrated, universal content and experience strategy to nurture and expand the  Brain Tumor Center's vibrant donor community. Curate diverse content for Angels Among Us and identify creative opportunities to integrate it into the Department of Neurosurgery.  This candidate will assist with strategic marketing plans and manage social media marketing. As needed, take ownership of the production and monitoring of digital engagement communications, programming, and strategy for these entities.

The ideal candidate will have communications and marketing skills normally acquired through a bachelor's degree in a related field.

 

Post-Doctoral Associate  220170
A post-doctoral position is available in the Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program. The program has a singular, all-encompassing goal: to develop novel, safe, and effective immune-based therapies for patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors. Our preclinical and clinical projects are spearheaded by an outstanding complement of graduate students, medical students, research associates, postdoctoral fellows, and junior and senior scientists assembled under the umbrella of the  Brain Tumor Center that covers a wide area of research. A main focus of the program is Immunotherapeutic approaches that include vaccines. Candidates will be encouraged to pursue studies on glioma and glioma microenvironment, or to shape their own projects using the trial and omics and the datasets and tools that are available to the lab.

Candidates for this role should have an MD; or PhD in genetics, computational biology, immunology, molecular/cell biology, or other quantitative science.  Prior research experience preferred in cancer, quantitative biology, a track record of productivity supported by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals. Outstanding writing and communication skills, with an ability to work both independently and within collaborative teams productively.

 

Research Program Leader  226677
The combined Spine Division is recruiting a RPL for our fast paced CRU. This candidate will manage the research portfolio of 20-30 prospective and retrospective PI initiated and multicenter research studies of pediatric and adult scoliosis, spinal cord injury, spinal trauma, and tumors involving the spinal column. 4-6 CRC, CRS, CRS-Sr and / or CRNC staff. Budgets based on sponsored, grant, foundation, NIH and DoD financial funding.  The RPL will oversee staff who manage day-to-day operational issues. Ensure that institutional communications are shared with the staff within the research program. Establish and maintain internal Duke and external communications to accomplish program objectives and ensure successful research partnerships. Represent the research program and research areas at the institutional level and with collaborators external to Duke. Evaluates and implements the department, CRU, or division professional development and/or training programs to ensure they meet the needs of staff retention, continuous improvement, and development. Keeps current with advances in the scientific area and considers the impact on the research program. Keeps self and team current with research updates by attending external offerings; applies learned material on the job. Plays key/leadership role on committees and workgroups.

The ideal candidate for this role will have a Bachelor's degree, preferably in health professions, social sciences, public health, or similar curricula, with a minimum of four years of research experience (e.g., experience. research, clinical, interaction with study population, program coordination). A Master's degree may substitute for two years of related.

This candidate will easily use computing software and web-based applications (e.g., Microsoft Office products and the electronic medical record). Good communication and team building skills preferred. Previous experience in program development and leadership is preferred.

 

Post-Doctoral Associate  227799
The Patel Lab recently relocated to Duke and joined the Department of Neurosurgery, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, and the Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies to continue groundbreaking work on single cell genomics in brain tumors. The lab is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to conduct cutting single cell multiomics research to study brain tumor heterogeneity and evolution during therapy. Particular focus of the lab includes single cell analyses of patient samples, development and study of complex patient specific tumor models to understand minimal residual disease and tumor evolution during therapy, development of single cell profiling methods, and use of functional genomics to understand tumor dynamics.
Candidates will generate and maintain a variety of patient specific model systems including 3D cultures, tumor slice cultures and patient derived xenografts, supervise and train students, technicians, graduate students in laboratory techniques and procedures.

Candidates for this role should have an MD or PhD in genetics, computational biology, immunology, molecular/cell biology, or other quantitative science.  Prior research experience preferred in cancer, quantitative biology, a track record of productivity supported by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals. Outstanding writing and communication skills, with an ability to work both independently and within collaborative teams productively.

 

Clinical Research Coordinator, Senior  228083
Duke Neurosurgery is a high-volume, comprehensive, interdisciplinary department in helping adult and pediatric patients with various brain and spine disorders. This position is specifically targeted for complex national research studies in acute and chronic traumatic injuries. It provides an opportunity to work with the ICU, ED, neurology, and neurosurgery in an expansive role involving cutting edge research. We are a team of study coordinators, research specialist, and regulatory specialist that value respect, growth, accountability, and integrity. We work closely with one another to support and encourage one another. If you are interested in a fast-paced environment and a growing program, this is the job for you. This role will Independently develop substantial portions of funding proposals and grants. Assesses and determines solutions for operational shortcomings of proposals. Independently conducts literature searches and reviews. Independently develops protocols for complex investigator-initiated studies, across multiple PIs or study teams. Uses expertise in research design to provide significant contribution to protocols or research proposals. Provides significant contribution or leadership on accepted, peer-reviewed publication or conference presentation. 

This role requires an Associate's degree and a minimum of six years of research experience. A bachelor's degree may substitute for 2 years required experience.

 

Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator   228128
Duke Neurosurgery is a high-volume, comprehensive, interdisciplinary department in helping adult and pediatric patients with various brain and spine disorders. This position is specifically targeted for complex national research studies in acute and chronic traumatic injuries. It provides an opportunity to work with the ICU, ED, neurology, and neurosurgery in an expansive role involving cutting edge research. We are a team of study coordinators, research specialist, and regulatory specialist that value respect, growth, accountability, and integrity. We work closely with one another to support and encourage each other. If you are a nurse who has critical care experience and are interested in or has participated in clinical research, this is the position for you! This role will assist with or contributes to the development of funding proposals. Independently conducts literature searches and reviews. Using scientific proposals from the PI, develops research protocols. Demonstrates a basic understanding of the elements of research study designs. Contributes to the development of scientific publications or presentations.  Serves as an author on poster presentations or publications. Prepares for, coordinates, and actively participates in site visits. Communicates effectively with sponsors and/or CROs. Uses clinical research management system and its reports to manage research participants' activities, calendars, tracking/marking financial milestones, and all aspects of study visits. Uses required EMR functionalities to manage participants and study visits. Uses clinical research management system and its reports to manage all protocol activities, including minimum footprint, SIP counsel, and all aspects of maintaining current protocol information.

Clinical responsibilities:

• Ambulatory medication administration

• Adult medication

• Pediatric medication

• Draw blood from arterial lines

• Basic dysrhythmia review

Critical care experience is expected, and research experience is a plus.

 

Research Staff Assistant
Senior leaders in the Preston Robert TIsch Brain Tumor Center are seeking a highly qualified candidate for their laboratory assistant. This candidate will be responsible for transcription of letters, emails, reports, proposals, grant applications, grant progress reports, manuscript reviews, etc. Identify source documents supporting subject matter and use these source documents to verify accuracy of documents. This also includes editing and confirmation of proper and accurate grammar, punctuation, and formatting.  Maintain all office files. Maintain files on active, maintain electronic contacts directory for the office. Prepare all PowerPoint presentations for faculty member ensuring they are accurate, project maximally, and are formatted as required. Calendar management of faculty members Including: scheduling appointments, meetings, conferences, teleconferences, business-related travel, etc. Make all travel arrangements for faculty members, members of the team and any external visitors/guests, invited speakers, etc.

Serve as liaison with internal and external constituents which include other Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center and Duke Neuro-oncology Program team members, other Duke faculty and staff, representatives from industry and government, major donors, and program board members. Field questions from these individuals as appropriate.

Interested applicants should send resume via email to: NSUHR@duke.edu

 

Advanced Practice Provider   3829
We are seeking an Advanced Practice Provider in our Movement Disorders Clinic located in Durham NC at the Morreene Road Clinics to work both independently and in tandem with attending physicians, collecting and documenting data, conducting diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, ordering and scheduling laboratory studies and professional consultations, and providing direct patient care services.  Primary hours will be Monday through Friday, day shift, with hours flexible to meet the needs of the patients. 

In collaboration with attending physician(s), the NP/PA performs triage, physical exams, collects and documents data, conducts diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, orders and schedules laboratory studies, diagnostic procedures and professional consultations, prescribes appropriate interventions and medications, coordinates the care of patients, and provides direct patient care services.  Analyze clinical practice patterns so as to provide the best medical care and to increase effectiveness and efficiency. Communicate verbally and in writing all pertinent patient information to supervising MD, nursing staff, patient resource manager, home health agency, and other relevant healthcare providers.

Provide timely documentation in the electronic medical record of all relevant data including results of diagnostic tests; laboratory results; patients’ condition and response to therapies/interventions; communications with physician colleagues. Plan, advocate and maximize use of OR block time.  Post-surgical cases and submit paperwork for case posting. Works with Pre-Cert Office, if necessary, to expedite all pre-authorization of surgical cases. Provide timely documentation in the electronic medical record of all relevant data including results of diagnostic tests; laboratory results; patients’ condition and response to therapies/interventions; communications with physician colleagues. This role will also lead, assists with or contributes to the development of letters of intent, budgets, funding proposals. Serving as on-site liaison for the DUMC NSU team (Residents, APPs, and Attendings). Functioning as Surgical Coordinator in clinical trials. Duties included maintaining patient records such as consents, submitting information for randomization, intra-operative monitoring; post-operative patient evaluation; monitoring and reporting of adverse effects; working with PI and trial sponsors; reviewing IRB guidelines. Manage and track all clinical assessments and coordinating the presentation and discussion of patients at the Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation Patient Conference.
Follow up with post-conference determinations, document them in Epic, and track their surgical scheduling and progress.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

PA:  Bachelor’s degree or higher required. Must be licensed by the North Carolina Medical Board, and be Board Certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

NP: Master’s degree or higher required. Must have current or compact RN licensure in the state of North Carolina and Approval to Practice by the Board of Nursing. Must be Board Certified from a national certifying board in the appropriate patient foci.  BLS required.

Both: Must demonstrate and maintain credentialing and licensing requirements of the Private Diagnostic Clinic and Duke Health. The position requires the candidate to have current DEA licensure.

Primary hours will be Monday through Friday, day shift, with onsite responsibilities.

 

Administrative Assistant 3316
We are seeking Administrative Assistant (Level 8) to perform administrative responsibilities of a complex and confidential nature in support of major departmental activities to maintain efficiency in organizational operations in the Department of Neurosurgery. The position is expected to provide support for two or more providers.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication, computer and multi-tasking skills, aim to deliver outstanding customer service with each and every interaction. Is extremely detail oriented, conscientious and take pride in ensuring accuracy in your work and has at least one year of experience working in a Medical office.

Must think strategically, juggle provider schedules, prioritize work and ensure that provider templates are accurate and fully utilized. This position acts as a source of reference for other staff assistants within the Neurosurgery Department. Works closely, collaboratively, and in partnership with the Scheduling Hub and Front Desk. Monitor provider emails and respond when necessary and appropriately as directed by the provider.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

High school education or equivalent.

Two years of administrative support experience of increasing variety and/or complexity

 

Neuro/Spine Outpatient APP (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant) Duke Health Integrated Practice   226733
The Neuro/Spine APP will provide support and care in the Duke Spine Center during outpatient visit in collaboration with spine care and research teams, hospital and outpatient care teams.   

In collaboration with attending physician(s), the NP/PA performs triage, physical exams, collects and documents data, conducts diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, orders and schedules laboratory studies, diagnostic procedures and professional consultations, prescribes appropriate interventions and medications, coordinates the care of patients, and provides direct patient care services.

Analyze clinical practice patterns so as to provide the best medical care and to increase effectiveness and efficiency. Initiate referrals to other health care provides, and/or consults with the attending physician or the collaborating physician. Plan, advocate and maximize use of OR block time.  Post-surgical cases and submit paperwork for case posting. Works with Pre-Cert Office, if necessary, to expedite all pre-authorization of surgical cases.

Triages outpatient phone calls and coordinates all necessary paperwork in support of direct patient care. Communicate with family members regarding patient care and concerns; provide patient care support and follow up to ensure patient care is coordinated/communicated effectively; provide clinical instruction and oversight to nursing staff. Ensures appropriate communication with all referring physicians. Works with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., to provide appropriate patient care through discharge and follow up.

Works with support staff and central Hub to maximize efficiency in clinic scheduling. Provide timely documentation in the electronic medical record of all relevant data including results of diagnostic tests; laboratory results; patients’ condition and response to therapies/interventions; communications with physician colleagues. Communicate with patient and family any care plans, reason for procedures/meds, results of procedures, etc.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS  

PA:          Graduate of ARC accredited Physician Assistant Program, Master’s Degree preferred, PA-C Certification, Medical License issued by NCMB with approval to practice as PA

NP:          Graduate of MSN or DNP Nurse Practitioner Program for adult care, Certification for the care of adults, e.g., AGNP, AGACNP, FNP, ANP, RN License issued by NCBON with approval to practice as NP


1+ years Neuro-Spine APP experience is preferred

Primary hours will be Monday through Friday, day shift, with hours flexible to meet the needs of the patients.