Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia seeks a self-motivated postdoctoral researcher for the Membrane Biology Laboratory to study protein interactions with plasma membrane domains in mammalian cells and related signaling. The role combines experimental cell culture work with computational investigations of protein structure and membranes.

The candidate will lead an independent project, plan experiments, stay current with literature, and present results.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with strong dry lab and wet lab experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and fluorescence microscopy required.
• Desirable experience: confocal, FLIM-FRET, and electron microscopy.
• Ability to manage an independent research project and communicate results effectively.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct experiments using cell culture and microscopy.
• Manage an independent research project and document results.
• Review literature and present findings to the team.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Fluorescence microscopy

Communicate results

Data interpretation

Education

PhD in Cell Biology

PhD in Biophysics

PhD in Molecular Biology

PhD in Biochemistry

Tools

Cloning

Transfection

Western blotting

Confocal microscopy

FLIM-FRET

Electron microscopy

Job description

The Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia is seeking a self-motivated, enthusiastic, science-loving individual for a POSTDOC POSITION in CELL MEMBRANE BIOPHYSICS AND BIOCHEMISTRY in the Membrane Biology Laboratory (Levental Lab; http://www.levental-lab.com).

We are a basic science laboratory focusing on fundamental questions of the structure and function of eukaryotic membranes and their involvement in cell physiology and dysfunction. This specific position will focus on proteins interactions with plasma membrane domains in mammalian cells and the structure and function of those domains in cell signaling.

Job Description

This position will be focused on experimental approaches using cell culture as a model for human disease, as well as computational investigations of protein structure, membrane domains, and cell signaling. The candidate’s duties will involve all aspects of managing and conducting an independent research project, including planning and carrying out experiments, keeping current with relevant literature, and documentation and presentation of results.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist that has demonstrated scientific productivity, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to manage an independent research project. Experience with mammalian cell culture, routine molecular biology (cloning, transfection, Western blotting), and fluorescence microscopy are absolutely required. Because much of our analysis is microscopy-based, experience with confocal, FLIM-FRET, and electron microscopy is highly desired.

We are a highly multidisciplinary lab and are interested in applicants from a range of backgrounds, including those holding a Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or Biochemistry. Previous wet-lab experience is absolutely required. Previous graduate or postdoctoral research in membrane physics / chemistry / biology is highly desired.

Salary will follow NIH and university guidelines.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Doctoral degree
• Experience: None
• Licensure: None

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.