Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Surgery

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Brayman Lab in the Department of Surgery at the University of Virginia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to perform and assist with studies on type 1 diabetes mechanisms and recurrence in murine diabetes models. The role includes human pancreatic islet isolations in the GMP facility and collaboration across teams.

The candidate should have a PhD/MD in a relevant field and be proficient in lab techniques such as islet isolation, animal surgeries, data analysis, and collaboration,

Qualifications

• PhD or MD in Biology, Chemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory data analysis and research procedures.
• Independently prepare solutions and reagents.
• Work with animal models (including surgical techniques; training provided).
• Train in and comply with BSL-2 procedures.
• Demonstrate reproducibility and strong critical thinking in experiments.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Data analysis

Proteomics

Mass spectrometry

Flow cytometry

CyTOF

PCR, RT-PCR

Tissue culture

Immunohistochemistry

Imaging mass cytometry

Education

PhD or MD in Biology, Chemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or related field

Tools

AKTA go FPLC system

Job description

The Brayman Lab in the Department of Surgery at the University of Virginia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to perform and assist with studies investigating the underlying mechanisms of type 1 diabetes and recurrence of diabetes in various murine models of diabetes. The position will also support human pancreatic islet isolations in the GMP islet isolation facility.

Research responsibilities include working with mice and performing/assisting with in vitro and in vivo experiments related to ongoing studies, including:

• Working with murine models of diabetes, including mouse islet isolation and transplantation
• Surgical procedures
• Isolating islets
• Measuring mouse blood glucose levels
• Collection of mouse tissue, serum, and blood, including collection of mouse tissue and blood for proteomic studies
• Assistance with collection and entry of data in electronic media
• Supporting daily lab activities, maintenance, and general laboratory upkeep
• Ordering/purchasing materials and supplies, including purchasing through the procurement system
• Other duties as assigned

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic team-oriented individual with a willingness to learn, collaborate, and take on new challenges. Candidates must be able to:

• Perform routine laboratory data analysis and research procedures
• Independently prepare solutions and reagents
• Perform or learn to work with animal models (including surgical techniques; training provided if necessary)
• Work diligently with strong attention to detail
• Analyze and organize work procedures; plan and execute tasks/experiments; interpret and report findings, writing skills
• Work a flexible schedule when required
• Train in and comply with BSL-2 procedures
• Demonstrate reproducibility and strong critical thinking skills

Postdoctoral employment is temporary and is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous five years and who will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at the University. Employment as a Postdoctoral Research Associate is viewed as training and is preparatory for a full-time academic or research career, is supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the training period.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD or MD in Biology, Chemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working actively in a research laboratory; experience in standard cell biology techniques and murine work
• Flow cytometry and CyTOF
• Protein purification (including immunoglobulins such as IgM) and chromatography
• Experience with Akta go FPLC system
• Proteomics
• Experience with mass spectroscopy (LC-MS), glycan preparation, data analysis
• Immunoassays, including ELISAs
• Electrophoresis and Western blot
• PCR, RT-PCR
• DNA and RNA extractions for NGS, RNAseq/ scRNAseq/ cfRNAseq
• Tissue culture / in vitro cell culture
• Histology analysis and immunostaining of tissue sections to back up imaging mass cytometry
• Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence, Immunocryohistochemistry.
• Stem cells and organoids
• Imaging mass cytometry
• Confocal
• Experience in R and Python, with additional experience in downstream pipeline analysis and additional expertise in statistical and data analysis software

Physical Demands

This job involves bench work and working in the human islet isolation facility. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary range is $63,480-$71,748, commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin afterApril 27, 2026.

Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

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.