Research Associate, Anesthesiology

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The multidisciplinary pain research lab of Dr. Patrick Finan at the University of Virginia seeks a postdoctoral fellow to begin Summer 2027. The work spans psychological and neurobiological mechanisms of chronic pain, including real‑time assessments and laboratory experiments with EEG/fMRI and behavioral interventions.

The position is on‑site in Charlottesville, VA, with a highly collaborative environment across UVA departments. Candidates must have a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree prior to start date.
• Independent quantitative analysis skills, especially longitudinal data analysis.
• Candidates with a clinical background who can lead behavioral intervention delivery (e.g., meditation, psychoeducation, psychedelic-assisted therapy).

Responsibilities

• Active role in project execution, data analysis, manuscript writing, and grant development.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Longitudinal analysis

Clinical background

Education

Ph.D./M.D. or equivalent

Job description

The multidisciplinary pain research lab of Dr. Patrick Finan (Dept of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine) is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to start in Summer of 2027. Our lab’s goals are to drive innovations toward novel solutions for the treatment and self-management of chronic pain. To achieve those goals, we employ a variety of research methods that explicate the psychological and neurobiological mechanisms of chronic pain. These include intensive longitudinal methods to assess behavioral and physiological correlates of pain in real time (e.g., sleep; emotions; opioid use; cannabis use); laboratory-based experimental methods to understand factors influencing pain perception (e.g., quantitative sensory testing; pharmacological challenge; EEG; fMRI); and clinical intervention methods that engage affect- and sleep-related mechanisms to ameliorate pain and mitigate problematic opioid use (e.g., mindfulness-based interventions; psychedelics; music)).

The working environment at University of Virginia is highly collaborative, and our lab is currently developing collaborative projects with faculty in various UVA departments, including Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, and the Contemplative Sciences Center. Additionally, we have extensive ongoing collaborations with investigators outside of UVA and encourage trainees to integrate into this collegial research network.

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree prior to start date.

Preferred Qualifications

Independent quantitative analysis skills (e.g., longitudinal data analysis) are preferred. Additionally, candidates with a clinical background who can lead behavioral intervention delivery (e.g., meditation, psychoeducation, psychedelic-assisted therapy) will be considered. Training will be tailored to the goals and skillsets of the candidate, and aligned with the ongoing projects in the lab. The expectation is that the candidate will have an active role in project execution, data analysis, manuscript writing, and grant development.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range

• The anticipated hiring range is commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

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

About UVA and the Community

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

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after November 19, 2026.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks, pre-employment health screenings, and drug 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. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .