Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, SOM, Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s generous benefits package that includes competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), professional development & certifications, tuition waiver, parental leave, caregiving leave and community service leave. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here: https://hr.vcu.edu/careers-at-vcu/why-work-at-vcu/

Position Summary:

The Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health (SSI) is recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join the Arab’s Research Group. This position provides an opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects focused on liver diseases, with an emphasis on alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and the intersection of metabolic and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD). The ideal candidate will be passionate about clinical and translational research, with a strong interest in hepatology and related fields.

Qualifications:

-Candidates should have a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree in Molecular or Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology or other relevant discipline.
-Knowledge of liver disease pathophysiology and management.
-Experience in clinical research, preferably in hepatology, metabolic diseases, or related areas.
-Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proficiency in software such as STATA, R, or similar tools is highly desirable.
-Prior experience conducting systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or working with large datasets (e.g., GBD data).
-Familiarity with IRB processes and clinical research compliance.
-Highly organized with attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment.
-A strong desire to pursue a career in academic medicine, hepatology, or biomedical research.
-Creativity and substantial evidence of productive publication history.
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
-Independence, scientific rigor and critical thinking.
-Ability to effectively collaborate with individuals across a range of disciplines, including clinicians and scientists.

-Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Responsibilities include:

-Full-time research and scholarship at the University.

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, using the

NIH scale for postdoctoral stipends.
-The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
-Collaborative and inclusive research environment
-Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources
-Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
-Located in the vibrant city of Richmond, Virginia

This position will remain open until filled.

Position Details:

Department: Stravitz-Sanyal Liver Institute

Employment Type: PD - Post Doc

Commensurate with experience based on NIH postdoc scale

Restricted Status: Yes

FTE: 1.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project needs, availability of funds, and performance.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.