Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

The laboratory of Dr. MariCarmen Lafita-Navarro in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine is seeking to fill an exciting Postdoctoral Researcher position in the field of cancer biology.

The Lafita-Navarro lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms and metabolic adaptations underlying the biology of cancer cells. One area of particular interest in the lab is glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is the most frequent and most aggressive cancer type of the brain which to date is still considered a deadly disease. A significant part of the Lafita-Navarro lab works towards revealing the vulnerabilities of glioblastoma cells with the ultimate goal of improving the treatment options and survival of glioblastoma patients.

Motivated applicants interested in developing a research program in the field of cancer biology are welcomed to apply. Expertise in the fields of molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics are expected. Experienced with mice work is ideal.

Responsibilities include:

• Full-time research or scholarship at the University.
• Preparatory for a full-time academic or research career.
• Supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.
• Applicants with a record of productivity in peer-reviewed journals will be valued. Submitted or accepted publications, or pre-prints of highly developed projects will be considered. This position requires the ability to work in a team and independent manner and maintain high standards of integrity and work ethics in the workplace.
• Postdoctoral researchers in the Lafita-Navarro lab will continue to develop their research toolbox in the field of molecular biology as well as grow their scientific communication skills by writing scientific articles (research publications and reviews), presenting their work at UVA seminars and external conferences, and applying for funding opportunities. UVA Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs (OGPA) is committed to support the postdoctoral workforce to ensure their professional development. For more information visit https://postdoc.virginia.edu/about-us , https://gradstudies.virginia.edu/uva-and-charlottesville-guide .

Postdoctoral employment is temporary and is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous five years1 and who will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at the University. Employment as a Postdoctoral Research Associate is viewed as training and is preparatory for a full-time academic or research career, is supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the training period.

The position is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Ph.D. or equivalent degree in molecular biology, cellular biology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

While familiarity with the following techniques is desirable, not all of them are required at start date.

• Cell culture: Culture of various cell types (cancer cells, stem cells, primary cells, organoids, neurospheres). Cell cycle analysis, 2D/3D colony formation assays, siRNA/DNA transfections, lentiviral production and cell transduction, CRISPR engineering.
• In vivo : Subcutaneous/orthotopic tumor xenografts experiments, brain stereotactic injections, mouse handling experience, mouse colony management, tissue collection and processing for molecular biology analysis.
• Molecular Biology: Western blot, Immunoprecipitation, Northern blot, PCR, RT-qPCR, ChIP, RNA-IP, Click-IT assays, Reporter assays, Polysome fractionation, DNA cloning.
• Cell Biology: Immunofluorescence, Live cell imaging.
• Screening assays: Next Generation Sequencing (RNAseq, ChIP-seq, single cell RNAseq, etc.), Proteomics, Metabolomics, Bioinformatics.
• Software: Microsoft Office (power point, excel, word), Image J/Fiji, EndNote.

The position will remain open until filled. This is an exempt-level, benefitted position. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A pre-employment health screening is required. This position is located in Charlottesville, VA.

To Apply:

Please apply through the UVA job board , and search for R0071620. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV/Resume
• Cover letter
• Contact information for 3 references

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

For questions about the application process, please contact Michelle Johnson, Recruiter, at mdj9w@virginia.edu .

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. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.