Research Assistant Professor

University-of-Virgini; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Virginia in Charlottesville seeks a non-tenure-track Assistant Professor for Research in the Yang Lab within the Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics program. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research on cellular stress-response pathways, with an emphasis on mitochondrial stress signaling and the integrated stress response, supervised by Dr.

Jie Yang. Responsibilities include experimental design, execution, data analysis, manuscript preparation,

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design and perform advanced research experiments using molecular biology, cell culture, biochemistry, protein expression and purification, microscopy, and cellular assays.
• Develop and execute projects focused on cellular stress-response pathways, including mitochondrial stress signaling and ISR.
• Analyze data and contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and proposals.
• Coordinate laboratory activities and mentor students, postdocs, and staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical mindset

Mentoring experience

Organizational skills

Education

PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology, biophysics, or related field

Job description

University of Virginia: UVA Provost's Office: School of Medicine: Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics

Location

Open Date

Oct 08, 2026

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.

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.

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

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.