Research Associate, The Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research

The Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research (CIC) at the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine seeks a Research Associate (Postdoctoral Scholar) to join the Anderson Lab. Projects will focus on advancing knowledge in immunology through novel pre-clinical models of cancer, genetic engineering, adoptive transfer studies, gene expression analysis, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and analysis of biospecimens from human subjects with and without ovarian cancer.

About the Role

Research in the Anderson Lab centers on two broad areas:

• Engineering novel T cell-based immunotherapies to overcome immune suppression in solid tumors
• Developing novel pre-clinical models for ovarian cancer research

The Research Associate will contribute to both areas, participate in lab projects, and assist in writing study reports, papers, and grant applications. The role includes opportunities to develop independent research programs, attend and present at laboratory meetings and seminars, and collaborate with graduate students, technicians, fellows, and external collaborators. Candidates may also develop personnel and project management skills and have the option to form a mentoring committee.

Responsibilities

• Conduct full-time research or scholarship preparatory for an academic or research career
• Publish research findings under the supervision of a senior scholar
• Participate in laboratory meetings, seminars, and collaborative projects
• Work with graduate students, technicians, fellows, and collaborators
• Develop new research avenues and contribute to grant writing
• Perform other assigned duties as needed

Requirements

• Terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) in Immunology, Virology, Lung Biology, or a related field at the time of hire
• Highly motivated to develop new research directions
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Detail-oriented and highly collaborative

Qualifications

Preferred Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in immunology, genetic engineering, molecular biology, cancer biology, or related fields
• Experience in T cell biology, lymphocyte analysis, genetic engineering, animal husbandry, or human translational immunology
• Proven grant writing skills (e.g., pre-doctoral awards or submitted grants)
• Intensive experience in small animal procedures, flow cytometry, molecular biology, immune cell purification, and culture
• Experience with microscopy, cellular immunology, murine models of disease, and human samples

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary role involving extensive desktop computer use. Occasional travel may be required for meetings and programs.

This is a restricted, exempt-level, benefited position based in Charlottesville, VA, contingent on funding availability and performed fully on-site.