Post Doc Research Associate

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia lab of Lu Gan is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to advance chromatin organization studies using cryo-electron tomography of cells.

The successful candidate will lead up to two projects, coordinate with collaborators, and take ownership of manuscript writing, figures, and fellowship applications, while presenting at conferences and contributing to a supportive lab culture.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Lead up to two projects and coordinate with collaborators.
• Own manuscript writing, figure preparation, and fellowship applications.
• Publicize lab work at conferences and contribute to the lab culture.
• Mentor junior lab members and support collaborative efforts.

Skills

Independent research

Project management

English communication

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree

Job description

The lab of Lu Gan (Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics and Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia) is seeking a postdoctoral research associate. The Gan lab is interested eukaryotic chromatin organization, and how chromatin structural states regulate transcription in both healthy and pathological states.

Our lab focuses on the use of cellular models to study the 3-D arrangement of nucleosomes (the repeating unit of chromosomes) in their physiological context because the precise chromatin fold and nucleosome packing structures are predicted to dictate access to transcription factors, polymerases, and RNA-processing factors. Accordingly, we use cryo-electron tomography of cells as a key tool.

The successful candidate will lead up to two projects, coordinate with collaborators, and take ownership of manuscript writing, figure preparation, and postdoctoral fellowship applications. They will publicize the lab’s work at conferences and contribute to the lab’s collaborative and mutually supportive culture.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and aligned to current NIH guidelines. Fringe benefits will be provided in accordance with University of Virginia Human Resources policies.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Official receipt of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree within nine (9) months of the start date of the appointment.
• At least one accepted, first-author, peer-reviewed publication prior to the start date of the appointment.
• Documented experience in at least one the following areas: cryo-electron tomography of cells, CRISPR gene editing of mammalian systems, single-cell genomics, advance light microscopy of mammalian cells or tissues.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Independence, motivation, and intellectual ownership to lead a research project, including the possibility to mentor junior lab members.
• Excellent communications (writing and oral) in English.

Department Contact

For questions about the position, please contact Jon Stafford

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.