Research Associate in Biomedical Engineering

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia’s Dr. Billingsley’s Lab in Biomedical Engineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop and assess nanoparticle platforms for ovarian cancer.

The role involves managing independent projects, collaborating with lab members and external partners, presenting work at meetings and submitting manuscripts. The appointment is for 12 months with possible renewal; background checks will be performed for all new hires.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioengineering, Biology, or a related field by the start of the appointment.
• Experience delivering drug delivery including synthesis, formulation, and characterization of lipid or polymer nanoparticles; cell culture and in vivo work.
• First author publication(s).
• Ability to work in a team setting, both providing and receiving mentorship.
• Experience conducting independent research including experimental design and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and assess nanoparticle platforms for cancer therapy.
• Manage own projects and collaborate with lab members and collaborators.
• Present work at lab meetings and conferences; contribute to grant applications and manuscripts.
• Learn new techniques and share skillsets with others in lab.

Skills

Teamwork & mentorship

Independent research

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Bioengineering/ Biology

Tools

Flow cytometry

ELISAs

qPCR

Sequencing

Western blots

Job description

Dr. Billingsley’s Lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and NanoSTAR Institute at the University of Virginia is seeking to hire a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop and assess novel nanoparticle platforms for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Research in the lab focuses on the interaction of nanoparticle platforms and immune cells, the impact of sex on these material-cell interactions, and the engineering of therapies and immunotherapies to treat sex-specific diseases including ovarian cancer.

As a member of this new and growing lab, this postdoctoral role would include the development of foundational assays and approaches to evaluate the effect of nanoparticle systems on different cell populations.

Postdoctoral Research Associates will manage their own projects, interact with other lab members and collaborators, present their work at lab meetings and conferences, and contribute to grant applications and manuscripts for publication. Candidates will be expected to learn new techniques and share their skillsets with others in lab. The position is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD in Bioengineering, Biology, or a related field by the start of the appointment
• Experience in one or more of these areas:
• Drug delivery including the synthesis, formulation, and characterization of lipid or polymer nanoparticles
• Cell culture including maintaining cell lines and isolating immune cell populations
• In vivo work including mouse handling, cancer models, and survival studies
• First author publication(s)
• Ability to work in a team setting, both providing and receiving mentorship
• Experience conducting independent research including experimental design and data analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with one or more of the following: flow cytometry, ELISAs, qPCR, sequencing, western blots, and design of experiments
• Experience troubleshooting new methods and developing protocols
• Experience with and further interest in mentoring trainees
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong scientific communication skills

Estimated Salary range is $60,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience.

This is a one-year appointment, with renewal contingent upon job performance and continuation of funding.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

For questions about the position, please contact Maggie Billingsley, Assistant Professor, at [e-mail].

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and 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. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.