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 Nov. 7, 2025
Research Opportunities
Post Doctoral Associate
Requisition: 256762
We are a high-energy, highly passionate translational neuroscience lab focused on understanding the role of synaptic plasticity in neurologic disease and how this can be directly modulated for disease modification (Harward et al., Nature 2016; Hedrick et al., Nature 2016; Krishnamurthy et al., Ann Neurol 2019). We are particularly interested in developing focused ultrasound as a new method for non-invasively modulating brain activity. Briefly, Focused Ultrasound has recently emerged as a ground-breaking new non-invasive, image-guided therapy to treat Essential Tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). While it is used clinically to make small lesions in the brain circuitry responsible for both ET and PD, additional work has shown that when applied at lower intensity and frequency, it can be used to transiently and focally (with sub-millimeter precision) to open the blood brain barrier, induce local immune responses, and even activate excitatory neurons, inhibitory interneurons, astrocytes, and even microglia. Building on this work, we seek to harness the power of this new tool to optimize its therapeutic use for a wide variety of conditions including epilepsy, neuropsychiatric disease, movement disorders, chronic pain, and brain tumors. To accomplish these goals, we employ a wide range of experimental approaches including viral infections, mouse genetics, in vitro and in vivo preparations, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics, and focused ultrasound.
Requirements: The applicant should have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent title in biomedical science or a related field. A highly motivated, independent candidate with a passion for translational neuroscience is preferred. Expertise in neurobiology, electrophysiology, mechanotransduction, ultrasound, or in vivo mouse work is highly desirable but not required.
Research Tech III
Requisition: 262901
A lab within the Brain Tumor Center is seeking an experienced technician to perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting translational research experiments involving clinical and preclinical samples. Compile, analyze, and document experimental results and draw tentative conclusions for review with the principal investigator. Confer with the PI to review work assignments, develop experimental plans, and make adjustments to laboratory procedures or techniques as needed.
The ideal candidate will be able to coordinate the collection, processing, storage, and documentation of biospecimens (blood, CSF, tumor tissue) for brain-tumor clinical and translational research projects. Maintain accurate specimen inventories and tracking systems to ensure compliance with IRB, GCP, and institutional standards. Perform single-cell library preparation for RNA and T-cell receptor sequencing under supervision, generate and maintain patient derived cell lines, including routine culture of patient-derived and preclinical glioma cell lines, media preparation, and equipment sterilization. Assist with enzymatic and mechanical dissociation of tumor specimens, immunostaining, and preparation of samples for downstream molecular assays.
This position will be responsible for training and mentoring of junior staff, students, and visiting scholars in standard laboratory practices and compliance procedures
Requirements: Work requires skills acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree in biology, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related scientific field.
Work requires two years of research experience. A related master's degree may offset required years of experience on a 1-to-1 basis (e.g., a two-year master’s degree in lieu of two years of experience). OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
Skills and Competencies
- Proficiency in basic and advanced laboratory techniques, including specimen handling, sterile technique, and molecular assays.
- Strong organizational, documentation, and multitasking abilities.
- Excellent attention to detail and data integrity.
- Effective communication and teamwork across multidisciplinary environments.
- Proficiency in inventory and ordering systems, Microsoft Excel, and basic data management tools.
Work Environment
- On-site in Duke’s Brain Tumor Center laboratories.
- Handling of human biospecimens with appropriate safety training and PPE.
- Routine participation in research, safety, and team meetings.
Administrative Opportunities
None at this time.
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.
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: 256042
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.
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: 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.
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: 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
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
- 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