Research Associate in Biology

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A leading research institution in Virginia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study the mammalian visual system. This role involves leading studies on cell-type-specific visual processing in mice and establishing tree shrews as a model for research. Candidates must have a PhD in Neuroscience or a related field, with prior experience in computational techniques preferred. The position offers a one-year appointment with opportunities for renewal based on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Neuroscience or another related field by the start date.
• Prior experience using computational techniques is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in ongoing studies of cell-type-specific visual processing and development in mice.
• Lead the efforts to establish tree shrews as a model to study circuit mechanisms of visually-guided behaviors.

Skills

Computational techniques

Education

PhD in Neuroscience or related field

Job description

The Biology & Psychology Departments at the University of Virginia’s College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study the function, organization, and development of the mammalian visual system in the Cang Lab (https://uva.theopenscholar.com/cang-lab). The Cang Lab uses mice and tree shrews as animal models and employs an integrative approach that combines in vivo physiology, two-photon imaging, viral, genetic, genomic, behavioral, and computational techniques. The postdoctoral fellow will take a leading role in ongoing studies of cell-type-specific visual processing and development in mice, or lead efforts to establish tree shrews as a model to study circuit mechanisms of visually-guided behaviors. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will operate under the supervision of Jianhua “JC” Cang, Ph.D. The earliest start date is January 1 2026.

Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in ongoing studies of cell-type-specific visual processing and development in mice.
• Lead the efforts to establish tree shrews as a model to study circuit mechanisms of visually-guided behaviors.

Qualification Requirements

The candidate must have a PhD degree in Neuroscience or another related field by the start date. Prior experience using computational techniques is preferred.

Application Procedure

Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us and search for R0078150. Attach a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin on December 1 2025, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Appointment

This is a one-year appointment, and the appointment may be renewed for another two or one-year appointments contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

Contact

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Jianhua Cang, Professor, at [e-mail]. For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at [e-mail]. For more information on the benefits available to Research Associates at UVA, visit https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.