Research Assistant Professor

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Yang Lab at the University of Virginia invites applications for a non-tenure-track Research Assistant Professor to lead independent and collaborative research on cellular stress-response pathways, including mitochondrial signaling and the integrated stress response (ISR).

The incumbent will perform advanced biochemical, molecular, and cellular studies, contribute to manuscript preparation, and mentor students and staff while supporting laboratory operations and developing new research

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology, biophysics, or related field.
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, or related approaches.
• Ability to independently design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot experiments.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform advanced research experiments using molecular biology, cell culture, biochemistry, protein expression and purification, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and cellular functional assays.
• Develop and execute projects focusing on cellular stress-response pathways, including mitochondrial signaling and the ISR.
• Analyze and interpret data; contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and proposals.
• Coordinate and mentor lab members; provide scientific and technical guidance to postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, visiting scholars, and staff.
• Train and mentor new lab members in experimental methods and data analysis.
• Assist with laboratory management, including organization of activities and maintenance of resources.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings and contribute to method development and new research directions.
• Establish collaborations with UVA investigators and other institutions.
• Apply for internal and external research funding as PI, co-PI, or co-investigator.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Mentoring

Organization

Mitochondrial biology

Cellular stress signaling

Structural biology

Education

PhD in biochemistry / molecular biology / cell biology / structural biology / biophysics

Job description

The Yang Lab in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is seeking a non-tenure-track Assistant Professor for Research.

The Yang Lab studies the molecular mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to organelle stress, with particular emphasis on mitochondrial stress signaling, the integrated stress response (ISR), and endoplasmic reticulum stress responses. The laboratory uses an interdisciplinary combination of structural biology, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and protein engineering to define the molecular mechanisms underlying these pathways and their roles in human disease.

The Research Assistant Professor will conduct independent and collaborative research projects under the direction of Dr. Jie Yang. The successful candidate is expected to perform advanced biochemical, molecular, and cellular studies; contribute to the development and execution of research projects; assist with laboratory operations and management; and provide scientific and technical guidance to other members of the laboratory.

The candidate will have substantial independence in developing and executing research projects in coordination with Dr. Yang and will be encouraged to develop new research directions, establish collaborations, contribute to manuscripts, and pursue external research funding.

The Research Assistant Professor position is open to candidates with appropriate research experience. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

What you will do:

• Design and perform advanced research experiments using approaches including molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, biochemistry, protein expression and purification, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and cellular functional assays.
• Develop and execute research projects focused on cellular stress-response pathways, including mitochondrial stress signaling and the integrated stress response.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, presentations, and research proposals.
• Coordinate and participate in laboratory research activities and provide scientific and technical assistance to postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, visiting scholars, and research staff.
• Train and mentor new laboratory members in experimental methods, laboratory procedures, and data analysis.
• Assist with laboratory management, including organization of research activities, maintenance of laboratory resources, and implementation of experimental procedures and protocols.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and contribute to the evaluation and development of research methods, experimental strategies, and new research directions.
• Establish and facilitate collaborations with investigators within UVA and at other institutions.
• Apply for appropriate internal and external research funding as PI, co-PI, or co-investigator.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology, biophysics, or a related field.
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Strong record of research productivity and peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, or related experimental approaches.
• Ability to independently design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot research experiments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.
• Experience mentoring or training junior researchers.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple research activities.
• Experience in cellular stress responses, mitochondrial biology, integrated stress signaling, protein biochemistry, or structural biology is preferred.

The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check and health assessment per University policy.

This is a restricted position, and continuation will be dependent upon the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

The University of Virginia offers confidential Dual Career Services to partners of incoming faculty candidates. To learn more, please visit dualcareer.virginia.edu