Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Surgery

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Charlottesville, VA is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on type 1 diabetes research. The role involves performing studies with murine models and assisting in human pancreatic islet isolations. Ideal candidates must have a Ph.D. or MD in a related field, strong laboratory skills, and the ability to work independently. This exempt position offers competitive salary and benefits, contingent upon funding availability, and is fully on-site.

Qualifications

• Perform routine laboratory data analysis and research procedures.
• Independently prepare solutions and reagents.
• Work with animal models and surgical techniques.
• Analyze and report findings with writing skills.
• Comply with BSL-2 procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform studies on type 1 diabetes using murine models.
• Assist with human pancreatic islet isolation.
• Support lab activities and maintenance.

Skills

Routine laboratory data analysis

Animal models procedures

Strong critical thinking skills

Attention to detail

Solution and reagent preparation

Education

Ph.D. or MD in Biology or related field

Tools

Flow cytometry

PCR

LC-MS

FPLC system

Statistical analysis software

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

• Ph.D. 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. It also occasionally requires traveling some distance to attend meetings.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. 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.

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

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.