Research Associate, Brandebura Lab

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate to join Dr. Brandebura's Lab for NIH-funded work on astrocyte dysfunction in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.

Responsibilities include full-time research, supervision, and opportunities to publish. The role focuses on molecular changes in reactive astrocytes, targeting astrocytes to improve synaptic function, and exploring astrocyte-microglia and astrocyte-vascular crosstalk in

Qualifications

• Education: Doctoral degree required.
• Experience with wet lab techniques and animal handling.
• Familiarity with imaging, molecular biology and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Full-time research or scholarship at the University.
• Preparatory for a full-time academic or research career.
• Supervised by a senior scholar and allowed to publish results.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Skills

Animal handling

Confocal imaging

Immunohistochemistry

Western blotting

RNA extraction

Molecular cloning

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate to join Dr. Brandebura's Lab to support our NIH funded research program investigating astrocyte dysfunction in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. Specifically, we will be focusing on:

• Defining molecular changes that occur within reactive astrocytes in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease.
• Targeting astrocytes to improve neuronal synaptic dysfunction.
• Understanding reactive astrocyte-microglia and astrocyte-vascular crosstalk in disorders of the nervous system.

Required skills include animal handling, experience in confocal imaging and immunohistochemistry, and experience in wet lab techniques such as western blotting, RNA extraction, and molecular cloning. Desired skills include experience with proteomics and familiarity with bioinformatic analysis pipelines, as well as exposure to iPSC differentiation into neuronal and glial cells.

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 years1 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.

Responsibilities

• Full-time research or scholarship at the University.
• Preparatory for a full-time academic or research career.
• Supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Doctoral degree.

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.

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.

Additional Requirements

• 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. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.