Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cai Lab, Department of Surgery

About the role

The Cai Lab in the Division of Surgical Sciences at UVA School of Medicine invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This position is ideal for a highly motivated early-career scientist eager to develop an independent research trajectory within a well-funded, collaborative program at the intersection of cardiovascular biology, muscle physiology, pulmonary pathophysiology, and surgical oncology.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments in molecular and cellular biology and small animal models of muscle or lung function and pathophysiology.
  • Perform and optimize in vivo murine studies assessing skeletal or cardiac muscle performance, lung mechanics, injury, and remodeling.
    • Core techniques include cell culture, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and histological analysis.
• Contribute to data interpretation, manuscript preparation, and grant progress reports.
• Assist in maintaining mouse breeding colonies, genotyping, and record-keeping in compliance with IACUC regulations and UVA vivarium policies.
• Help coordinate reagent inventory and ensure proper upkeep of shared laboratory equipment.
• Assist in training and mentoring junior laboratory members, including undergraduate researchers, medical students, and graduate students, in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication under the PI's guidance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D. (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques (Western blot, qRT-PCR, immunostaining, cell culture, etc.).
• Experience with small animal models, particularly studies of skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, or pulmonary function and disease.
• Familiarity with IACUC-compliant animal handling and experimental procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by at least one first-author peer-reviewed publication.

Pay

Hiring range is $63,480-$65,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Schedule

This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

Benefits

This is an exempt-level, benefited position.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0084319. Complete an application with the following documents: Resume Cover Letter Upload all materials into the resume submission field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

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.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.