Postdoctoral Research Associate, Hematology & Oncology

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Research funding support

Job summary

A prestigious research institution seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Hematology & Oncology to join the Chalfant laboratory. Applicants must hold a PhD and/or MD with research experience in molecular biology, lipid signaling, or RNA splicing. Successful candidates will conduct impactful research related to cancer and related diseases, with opportunities for grant writing and skill development. The position is fully grant-funded with potential for renewal, offering a collaborative research environment in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Qualifications

• Must have a PhD and/or MD by start date.
• Experience in molecular biology, lipid signaling, or RNA splicing is preferred.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in lipid signaling and RNA splicing as they relate to various diseases.
• Develop molecular skills and assays for drug discovery.
• Work towards an independent role over the next 3 to 5 years.

Skills

Molecular biology

Lipid signaling

RNA splicing

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

PhD and/or MD (or equivalent)

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

Lentivirus

Adenovirus

High throughput assays

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Hematology & Oncology

The Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, at the University of Virginia seeks multiple postdoctoral research associates to join the research team within the Chalfant laboratory. The start date of this position is as soon as possible. The position will be under the supervision of Dr. Charles E. Chalfant.

The Chalfant laboratory has a strong track‑record of extramural funding and currently has multiple extramural grants from both the National Institutes of Health and the Veterans Administration. These grants focus on advancing two specific molecular mechanisms, RNA splicing and lipid signaling, as they relate to cancer, cardiovascular disease, wound healing, infectious disease, and diabetes. The goal is to identify key mechanisms dysregulate in these diseases that can be precisely targeted to better clinical outcomes. The laboratory also has the goal of therapeutic development to these targets. The ideal candidate should possess substantial knowledge and skills to foster innovative ideas and interests in one of these areas with a solid track‑record of research productivity during their PhD and/or initial postdoctoral training.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Applicants must have a PhD and/or MD (or equivalent) degree in hand by start date.

Preferred applicants will have a background in molecular biology (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, lentivirus, adenovirus), lipid signaling, lipidomics, or RNA splicing as well as training others is a plus. Excellent organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal) are required as is an ability to work independently and cross‑culturally in diverse environments. The incumbent will perform research in either lipid signaling and RNA splicing as these processes relate to cancer, precision medicine, wound healing, diabetes, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Multiple research projects in these areas are available. A successful candidate will be expected to develop molecular skills and assays such as high throughput assays for drug discovery, secondary screening assays, cell models, and/or novel Genetically Engineered Mouse Models (GEMMs) not currently available in the laboratory.

Postdoctoral employment is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a doctoral degree within the previous five years. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal (for an additional two, one‑year increments) contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

The candidate will be fully funded by funds from grants to Dr. Chalfant from the National Institutes of Health. It is expected that through expansion of research ideas in the aforementioned research areas, the candidate will develop additional skills, write grants, and construct/present research papers working towards an independent role over the next 3 to 5 years. This position is 100% grant funded and is already included in the FY26 budget.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. This is an exempt-level, benefited position.

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

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.