Research Associate, Cope Lab

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Dr. Elise Cope's Lab. This position focuses on investigating structural plasticity and its role in social memory. Candidates need a Doctoral degree in neuroscience, strong research skills, and experience with laboratory experiment design. The role involves managing projects, collaborating with lab members, and presenting findings. Opportunities for independent research are available, making it ideal for motivated and technically capable individuals.

Qualifications

• Must have a Doctoral degree in neuroscience or a related field by appointment start.
• Experience in independently designing and conducting laboratory experiments is required.
• Strong publication record and conference presentation skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage own projects and collaborate with lab members and external collaborators.
• Present findings at lab meetings and conferences.
• Contribute to grant applications and mentor students.

Skills

Laboratory experiment design

Statistical analysis

Excellent communication skills

Team collaboration

Research project leadership

Education

Doctoral degree in neuroscience or related field

Tools

Immunohistochemistry

Confocal imaging

In-vivo neural recordings

Job description

Overview

Dr. Elise Cope's Lab (copelab.org) in the Department of Neuroscience and the Center of Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) at the University of Virginia seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate how structural plasticity contributes to social memory function in the healthy and diseased brain. The lab focuses on hippocampal microcircuits underlying social memory, emphasizing adult‑born neurons, perineuronal nets, and microglia. Techniques employed include behavioral assays, histology, pharmacology, environmental enrichment, transgenic approaches, viral delivery, chemogenetics, and in‑vivo electrophysiology to uncover how these cells and their cellular or extracellular structures interact to shape hippocampal social memory function.

Responsibilities

Postdoctoral Research Associates will manage their own projects, collaborate with lab members and external collaborators, present findings at lab meetings and conferences, contribute to grant applications and manuscripts, and mentor and teach students. Candidates will be expected to learn new methods as part of their training and may have opportunities for project direction and independent research.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in neuroscience or a related field by the start of the appointment
• First‑author publications
• Experience independently designing laboratory experiments, including data display in figures, statistical analysis, and data management
• Interest and confidence in developing new techniques for hypothesis testing
• High motivation and technical capacity to lead a research project
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, demonstrated by a strong publication record and conference presentations
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team, including teaching and learning from others

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with one or more of the following: mouse handling, stereotaxic surgery, behavioral testing, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, in‑vivo neural recordings
• Demonstrated creativity and flexibility in experimental design or new methods

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary position involving extensive use of desktop computers. The role may require occasional travel to attend meetings and related events.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.