Research Associate in Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

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

Job summary

The Kaya Lab at UVA is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our collaborative team in Charlottesville, VA. The position focuses on aging biology and age-related diseases using diverse models and genome engineering tools.

Candidate will design experiments, analyze data, and contribute to manuscripts, grants, and presentations. The role emphasizes independence and potential for independent projects, with a 12-month appointment and on-site work at UVA.

Qualifications

• PhD required by start date; preferred neuroscience, mitochondrial biology, cancer biology, aging, or related field.
• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, mouse genetics, genome engineering, and tissue prep for IHC/IF.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments under supervision and independently.
• Analyze data and interpret results to inform hypotheses.
• Prepare manuscripts and grants; present findings at lab meetings and conferences.
• Collaborate with Kaya Lab members on project development and timelines.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Mouse genetics

Molecular cloning

CRISPR genome engineering

Immunohistochemistry/Immunofluorescene

Education

Doctoral degree in neuroscience or related field

Job description

The Kaya Lab at UVA is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic and collaborative team. Our lab focuses on both basic and translational research, investigating the biology of aging and age-related diseases. We utilize a range of experimental systems, including transgenic animal models, dietary interventions, and cutting-edge genome engineering tools. The lab Website: kayalab.org

Potential projects include, but are not limited to:

• 1. Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Investigating the role and molecular regulators of neuroinflammation in mouse models of neurodegeneration.
• 2. Cellular Senescence and Polyploidy. Understanding how polyploid genomes influence senescence and the associated cellular phenotypes.
• 3. Aging, Cancer, and Metabolism. Exploring the mechanisms of age- and cancer-associated metabolic disorders and epigenetic changes linked to aneuploidy.
• 4. Mitochondrial DNA in Aging and Disease. Studying the role of cytoplasmic mitochondrial DNA fragments in aging and neurodegeneration.

The lab also highly encourages candidates to propose independent projects, provided they align with the lab’s overarching research goals.

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 years 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.

• We value curiosity, independence, and drive. The successful candidate will work closely with Kaya Lab members to design and execute experiments, analyze data, prepare manuscripts and grants, and present findings at lab meetings and conferences.
• 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 REQUIREMENTS

Education: Applicants must have a doctoral degree in hand by start date, preferably a Ph.D. in neuroscience, mitochondrial biology, cancer biology, aging, or a related field.

Ideal candidates will have hands on experience in the following areas:

• Mammalian cell culture
• Mouse genetics and animal husbandry
• Molecular cloning and CRISPR or other genome engineering techniques
• Tissue preparation for immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence

Candidates should be self-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively. Candidates should also have strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Postdoctoral employment is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a doctoral degree within the previous five years. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal (for an additional two, one-year increments) contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site. To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

Job Profile: J0267 - Research Associate - 12 Month

Career Stream and Level

No Career Stream-No Level

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.