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.
Open Positions
updated May 8, 2026
Research Opportunities
Post Doctoral Associate
Requisition: 265152
This position will be jointly mentored by Drs. Quinn Ostrom (Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Population Health Sciences) and Anoop Patel (Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, Biomedical Engineering, and Pathology). The Ostrom lab is focused on understanding genetic and other factors which influence susceptibility to and prognosis of primary brain tumors. The Patel lab is focused on using single-cell sequencing techniques to study intratumoral heterogeneity in malignant brain tumors.
The primary responsibilities for this position will be focused on analysis of single-cell transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets with the goal of identifying cell types that modulate GBM predisposition. The candidate will also have the opportunity to conceptualize, design, and lead independent research projects aligned with their interests and the broader goals of the project under Drs. Ostrom and Patel’s mentorship.
Qualifications
The applicant should have a Ph.D. in computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science, statistics, genetic epidemiology, or a related field. Expertise in analysis of single cell or spatial sequencing data is required. Experience in analysis of bulk RNA and whole exome sequencing data, and genotyping array data is preferred but not required. Experience in the generation of single cell sequencing data including preparation of high quality single cell/nucleus suspensions from patient tissue, running droplet based microfluidic platforms (10X Genomics), and next generation sequencing library preparation are preferred but not required.
Post Doctoral Associate
Requisition: 265674
A postdoctoral Research Associate (computational biology and bioinformatics area) position is open at Duke University School of Medicine in the lab of Dr. Yi Zhang. The ideal candidate will develop novel machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML/AI) methods for genomics data, especially: large-scale single-cell genomics data, high-definition spatial genomics, digital pathology data, and apply the computational methods to understand biomedical problems like tumor microenvironment, immunology, and aging. The individual will work with Dr. Yi Zhang to develop computational methods and collaborate with other groups in quantitative genomics areas in and outside Duke University. The postdoc candidate will join a highly collaborative team to develop ML/AI x genomics methodology, publish in top CompBio/CS conferences and high impact journals, and obtain training on career development in a supportive environment.
Preferred qualifications:
- PhD is required for this role. Must be expected to complete within one year, or PhD completed in the last 1-3 years, in a quantitative discipline, such as Computational Biology, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data science, Physics, Mathematics, Bioinformatics etc; Candidates with multidisciplinary backgrounds are welcome.
- Strong skills in computational and data analytical methodology development and implementation; experience in machine learning and deep learning models, and willingness to learn about new methods, is a plus.
- Strong programming skills in Python, and Linux Shell; experience in developing methods as open source repositories at e.g. GitHub is a plus.
- Strong motivation and interest to analyze genomics data and interpret biomedicine from data; experience in single-cell and spatial omics is a plus.
- Strong communication skills including writing, publishing, and presenting research at journal articles and conferences; proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals as major author; willingness to collaborate in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Non-Duke Student
Requisition: 266231
A Student Intern position is available to support clinical and translational neuroscience research involving intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) data analysis and multimodal surgical datasets. The ideal candidate will contribute to the collection, organization, preprocessing, and analysis of electrophysiological and clinical data, including facial EMG, EEG, imaging, and postoperative assessments. The individual will work closely with investigators, clinical teams, and research staff to ensure accurate data capture, maintain regulatory compliance, and support the development of computational tools for signal analysis and data visualization. Responsibilities include performing data cleaning and anonymization, generating reports and study metrics, supporting manuscript and abstract preparation, and contributing to workflow optimization and project coordination. The candidate will join a collaborative research environment focused on advancing data-driven approaches to neuromonitoring, surgical outcomes research, and clinical innovation.
Preferred qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Data Science, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related quantitative or biomedical field.
- Experience working with biomedical signals, electrophysiological recordings, or clinical research datasets is preferred.
- Familiarity with data preprocessing, statistical analysis, and visualization tools using programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or R.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in maintaining accurate documentation and regulatory compliance with IRB/HIPAA standards.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary clinical and research environment while effectively communicating findings and project updates.
- Interest in computational tool development, signal processing, and translational neuroscience research is highly desirable.
Research Laboratory Manager
Requisition: 269465
A Scientific Research Laboratory Manager position is available to oversee and coordinate operations across a large and dynamic neuro-oncology research portfolio consisting of approximately 10 active laboratories within the Department of Neurosurgery at Duke University. This role is critical to ensuring the effective administration, compliance, and strategic management of complex laboratory environments supporting highly regulated translational and basic science research programs. The successful candidate will provide centralized leadership for laboratory operations, infrastructure coordination, safety and regulatory compliance, personnel training, budgeting, and resource management across multiple research groups. Responsibilities include developing and standardizing laboratory policies and SOPs, monitoring compliance with institutional and federal research regulations, coordinating laboratory safety and quality assurance programs, overseeing shared equipment and space utilization, supporting onboarding and training of laboratory personnel, and assisting with long-term operational and fiscal planning. The manager will also serve as a key liaison between research laboratories and institutional partners including facilities, procurement, compliance, finance, and environmental health and safety offices. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a highly collaborative neuro-oncology research enterprise focused on operational excellence, research efficiency, and the advancement of innovative scientific programs.
Preferred qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, health sciences, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of seven years of relevant laboratory operations or research administration experience, including at least three years in a supervisory or managerial role.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex scientific research operations, multi-project environments, or shared laboratory resources.
- Strong knowledge of laboratory safety regulations, biosafety standards, GLP practices, and institutional research compliance requirements.
- Experience with budgeting, fiscal oversight, capital equipment planning, and stewardship of research resources.
- Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills with the ability to coordinate across multidisciplinary teams and institutional stakeholders.
- Familiarity with laboratory infrastructure management, equipment maintenance programs, onboarding and training processes, and operational workflow optimization.
- Ability to analyze operational data, implement quality assurance initiatives, and support strategic planning for growing research programs.
Research Tech II
Requisition: 269462
A Research Technician position is available in the Patel Lab within the Department of Neurosurgery, the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, and the Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies at Duke University. The lab focuses on applying single-cell genomics and functional genomics approaches to study brain tumors, with particular emphasis on tumor evolution, minimal residual disease, and the development of rationally designed cellular therapies for glioblastoma. The successful candidate will support translational and preclinical research projects involving advanced molecular biology and cellular engineering techniques. Responsibilities include complex tissue culture, maintenance and transduction of primary human T cell cultures, tissue processing, cloning, flow cytometry, preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing workflows, and conducting in vivo studies using mouse models of glioblastoma. Additional duties include oversight of mouse colony management, laboratory maintenance, reagent preparation, ordering supplies, and supporting experimental workflows under the supervision of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The candidate will join a collaborative and innovative research environment focused on advancing cellular immunotherapy and genomics-based approaches for brain tumor treatment.
Preferred qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related scientific field.
- Experience with mammalian tissue culture, including cell lines and/or primary human T cells, is preferred.
- Familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as cloning, flow cytometry, PCR, and next-generation sequencing library preparation.
- Experience with mouse handling, survival surgeries, or mouse colony management is highly desirable.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accurate experimental records and laboratory inventories.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment and contribute to multiple ongoing projects.
- Interest in cancer biology, immunotherapy, genomics, and translational neuroscience research is strongly encouraged.
Administrative Opportunities
Director, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center (PRTBTC)
Head, Preuss Laboratory
Duke University School of Medicine — Department of Neurosurgery
The Department of Neurosurgery at Duke University School of Medicine invites applications for a senior faculty leader to serve as Director of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center (PRTBTC) and Head of the Preuss Laboratory. This is a distinguished leadership opportunity for an accomplished investigator and clinician‑scientist to guide one of the world’s leading centers in brain tumor research, clinical care, and translational innovation.
Position Overview
The Director will be responsible for the scientific, clinical, administrative, and strategic leadership of the PRTBTC. The successful candidate will develop and sustain an independent, internationally recognized research program, demonstrating scholarly distinction through high‑impact publications, and continued success in securing competitive, peer‑reviewed funding, particularly from the NIH.
In close partnership with Department leadership, the Director will guide program project grant development, faculty recruitment and retention, and performance metrics aligned with departmental and institutional priorities. The Director will work to obtain funding from philanthropy and industry to conduct multi-institutional clinical trials leading to FDA approval.
Key Responsibilities
Research Leadership
- Lead an independent research program characterized by innovation, high‑impact publications, and competitive national and international funding.
- Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities to support translational and clinical research across the PRTBTC.
- Oversee laboratory development and equitable allocation of research space.
Clinical & Translational Leadership
- In collaboration with medical and surgical neuro‑oncology leadership, coordinate all clinical care and translational research activities for PRTBTC patients.
- Develop and advance innovative clinical trial concepts to expand patient access to novel therapies.
Program Administration & Strategic Planning
- Ensure financial sustainability through fiscal management, negotiation with institutional partners, and philanthropic growth.
- Oversee recruitment packages, mentoring, and integration of new faculty.
- Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the PRTBTC strategic plan.
- Serve as Chair of the PRTBTC Executive Committee and lead interactions with the Brain Tumor Research Program Advisory Board.
External Relations & Institutional Collaboration
- Build and sustain relationships with donors, stakeholders, and development leadership, including preparation of philanthropic proposals.
- Serve as senior liaison to key institutional departments to ensure accurate, timely diagnostic and clinical services.
Culture, Compliance & Organizational Effectiveness
- Ensure compliance with conflict-of-interest policies and ethical standards.
- Foster a cohesive, collaborative team culture that supports the Center’s vision of leadership in brain tumor care and research.
- Model exemplary professional conduct and support ongoing performance assessment and organizational effectiveness.
Qualifications
Candidates should hold an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD (or equivalent) and meet criteria for appointment at the rank of Professor in the Duke University School of Medicine. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- A sustained record of high‑impact scholarship and extramural funding.
- Significant experience in program leadership within an academic medical center.
- A strong commitment to advancing multidisciplinary research and clinical excellence.
- Exceptional interpersonal, strategic, and organizational leadership skills.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and list of references to:
Lori Rayman via lori.rayman@duke.edu.
Advanced Practice Provider Opportunities
Job Eligibility Requirements for all APP Positions
Education
- Nurse Practitioners: Work requires completion of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program, with a Master's degree in Nursing.
- Physician Assistants: Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program. A Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred.
Certification
- BLS required, issued from AHA.
License
- Nurse Practitioners: Must have current or compact RN licensure in the state of North Carolina. BLS required. National certification as a NP required prior to or within 6 months of employment.
- Physician Assistants: Must be licensed in the state of NC, and be certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Requisition: Coming Soon!
Please email CV/Resume, Cover Letter and Contact Information to: NSU_HR@dm.duke.edu
Join a high-volume vascular neurosurgery team within the Department of Neurosurgery at Duke University Hospital near Durham, NC. This role provides direct patient care in close collaboration with supervising vascular neurosurgeons across inpatient, outpatient, and operative settings.
Schedule
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (flexible based on patient and surgical needs). No routine weekend or overnight responsibilities; occasional extended operative days and management of postoperative patients requiring overnight observation.
Responsibilities include performing comprehensive patient assessments, assisting with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and supporting perioperative care for this subset of neurosurgical patients. The provider will document patient histories, progress notes, and treatment plans; respond to patient inquiries during clinic hours; and coordinate laboratory studies, imaging, specialty consultations, and inpatient admissions as needed. Additional duties include postoperative wound care and dressing management, monitoring patient progress in collaboration with the surgical team, coordinating operating room schedules, tracking pending studies and medical clearances, and ensuring efficient clinical workflow across a busy surgical practice. Opportunities to participate in clinical research, quality improvement initiatives, and educational activities are available for interested candidates.
Requisition: 264183
Join the Department of Neurosurgery’s Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery team at Duke Regional Hospital and affiliated Ambulatory Surgery Centers near Durham, NC. This role provides direct patient care in collaboration with supervising physicians, including outpatient services and functioning as an operative first assist for spine surgery patients.
Schedule
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (flexible to patient needs). No weekend or overnight hours; occasional extended operative days and next-morning discharges for overnight stays.
Job Summary
- Perform patient assessments, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and assist in surgery.
- Document histories, progress notes, and treatment plans; respond to patient inquiries during work hours.
- Order and schedule labs, imaging, and consultations; arrange inpatient admissions when needed.
- Carry out wound care, dressing changes, and monitor patient progress in collaboration with physicians.
- Manage operating schedules, follow up on pending studies, and ensure medical clearance.
- Participate in research projects and teaching opportunities if interested.
Experience
- Ability to first assist is strongly preferred.
Requisition: 257189
Job Location
Duke Raleigh Hospital - 3400 Wake Forest Road - Raleigh, NC & Locations in Wake County
Job Summary
We are seeking an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) for our Department of Neurosurgery – Spine Team of Duke Raleigh. The APP will provide direct patient care services in collaboration with the supervising physicians to patients being evaluated for, as well as recovering from spine surgery. This position will involve outpatient services and minimal inpatient services.
Schedule
Primary hours will be Monday through Friday 8:00– 5:00 PM with hours flexible to meet the needs of the patients. Weekend sand holidays are not required unless needed to meet the needs of the patients.
Experience
- 2+ years of Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant work experience - neurosurgery, neurology or orthopedic spine preferred. Research experience is preferred but not required.
Requisition: 257475
Join our Spine Tumor/Fracture Clinic in Durham and Cary, NC, as an Advanced Practice Provider working alongside attending physicians to deliver exceptional patient care. This role includes direct clinical responsibilities, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and coordination of multidisciplinary care for complex spine conditions. Primary schedule is Monday–Friday, day shift, with flexible hours and rotational on-call for emergent surgical cases.
Schedule
Monday-Friday, day shift, with flexibility to meet clinic needs
Job Summary
- Perform patient assessments, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic interventions under physician supervision.
- Document histories, progress notes, and treatment plans; manage patient education and follow-up care.
- Order and schedule labs, imaging, and consultations; explain procedures and outcomes to patients.
- Support intake and triage of new referrals, ensuring accurate data collection and coordination across service lines.
- Assist with grant-related tasks, research projects, and development of standard operating procedures.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, maintain accurate records, and oversee intake summaries for neurosurgery, oncology, and palliative care.
- Participate in teaching, training, and quality improvement initiatives.
Experience beyond Minimum Requirements
- 1+ years of APP experience strongly preferred.
- Any experience working with spinal pathologies is preferred.
Requisition: 257510
Job Location
Duke Clinic & Duke University Hospital - 40 Duke Medicine Cir. Durham, NC 27710.
Job Summary
We are seeking an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) for our Department of Neurosurgery – Spine Team of Durham locations. The APP will provide direct patient care services in collaboration with the supervising physicians to patients being evaluated for, as well as recovering from spine surgery. This position will involve outpatient services and minimal inpatient services. The provider will be responsible for developing therapeutic relationships with patients, making recommendations on which Neurosurgeon to refer patient to for additional care and possible surgery. The role will receive support from supervising physician throughout day
Schedule
Primary hours will be Monday through Friday 8:00– 5:00 PM with hours flexible to meet the needs of the patients. Weekends and holidays are not required unless needed to meet the needs of the patients.
Experience
- Minimum of one year of Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant outpatient work experience - neurosurgery, neurology or orthopedic spine preferred. Research experience is preferred but not required