Research Associate, Department of Biomedical Engineering

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed academic institution in Charlottesville, VA is seeking a motivated postdoctoral Research Associate to lead multidisciplinary systems biology projects focusing on immunology. Candidates with a Ph.D. in related fields and a strong track record in molecular biology are encouraged to apply. The position offers an anticipated salary range of $62,000-$68,000 and requires on-site work.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Computational/Systems Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Tangible track record including first author publications, awards, or fellowships.
• Wet-lab experience required for those with bioengineering or systems biology backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary systems biology projects in the laboratory.
• Collaborate with students and colleagues from various disciplines.
• Communicate research results through publications and reports.

Skills

Molecular and cellular biology/immunology

Computational methods

Statistical/inferential data analysis

Communication skills

MATLAB

R

Python

Education

Ph.D. in Immunology, Computational/Systems Biology, Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Multiplex immunohistochemistry

Spatial proteomics

Transcriptomics

Job description

Overview

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral Research Associate to lead multidisciplinary systems biology projects in the laboratory of Dr. Sepideh Dolatshahi. The Dolatshahi Human Systems Immunology laboratory is active at the interface of systems biology, immunology, and bioengineering. Research combines integrative computational immunology (data-driven, single cell resolution and spatial methods, machine learning and kinetic modeling) with integrative experimental immunology to understand immune regulation and dysregulation, with the objective of identifying strategies to improve immunotherapies and vaccines. The project will focus on immunology of pregnancy and immunity at the fetal-maternal interface. The lab collaborates with UVA hospital and the Carter Immunology Center and the division of Fetal-Maternal Medicine at UVA. Candidates with strong background in molecular and cellular biology/immunology (or a related discipline) and interest in learning computational methods are encouraged to apply. Candidates with bioengineering or systems biology background and extensive wet-lab experience are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Lead multidisciplinary systems biology projects in the Dolatshahi laboratory. Work at the interface of experimental immunology and computational methods to understand immune regulation and modeling of pregnancy-associated immunology. Collaborate with graduate and undergraduate students and colleagues from multiple disciplines. Communicate results through publications and grant reports. Engage in both experimental work and computational analyses as appropriate to project needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Immunology, Computational/Systems Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A tangible track record as assessed by first author publications, awards, or fellowships.

Preferred/Additional Qualifications

• Strong background in molecular and cellular biology/immunology and interest in learning computational methods; wet-lab experience for those with bioengineering or systems biology backgrounds.
• Deep understanding of molecular and cellular biology, immunology, and statistical/inferential data analysis; strong oral and written communication skills; ability to perform literature search/review; ability to work with graduate/undergraduate students and cross-disciplinary colleagues; proficiency in MATLAB, R, or Python (this may be adapted to familiarity if computational skills are compensated by strong experimental skills).
• Preferred knowledge in pregnancy and fetal-maternal medicine, experience with IRB-approved human cohort studies and placental tissue, ability to synthesize complex information for model development, and familiarity with multiplex immunohistochemistry, spatial proteomics and transcriptomics.

Physical Demands

This job involves a combination of experimental lab work and computational work on desktop computers. The position may require occasional travel to attend meetings and programs.

Compensation and Status

The anticipated hiring range is $62,000-$68,000, commensurate with education and experience. This is an exempt-level, benefited position. This is a restricted position dependent on funding and must be performed fully on-site in Charlottesville, VA.

Additional Information

Application review will begin after October 4, 2025. Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment. This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future. For questions about the position, contact Sepideh Dolatshahi. For questions about the application process, contact the Senior Recruiter. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. UVA is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0076604. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching Find Jobs.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.