Research Scientist- Cell Biology

The Lu lab the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Virginia seeks a Research Scientist to investigate signaling mechanisms of non-canonical Wnt and Planar Cell Polarity signaling during mammalian tissue morphogenesis. The project will use a multidisciplinary approach using protein and lipid biochemistry, mass spectrometry, cell culture, and live and fixed fluorescence microscopy to illuminate the signal transduction machinery and how mutations in Wnt and PCP pathways lead to common congenital birth defects such as neural tube defects (NTD) and deafness.

The research scientist will drive the research project, develop and learn new techniques required to advance the aims of the project, interact with other lab members and collaborators, present their work at lab meetings and conferences, and participate in preparing grant applications and manuscripts for publication. The research scientist is also expected mentor graduate and undergraduate students and train new lab personnel.

The Lu Lab is located in renovated open lab space with a strong, collegial group of neighboring labs studying cell and developmental biology. We encourages applications from all qualified scientists trained in the filed of cell biology. The position is available immediately.

The Cell Biology Department at UVA is an excellent training environment for curious, highly motivated scientists. The University provides professional development workshops, and there are support communities on campus including the UVA Postdoc Association, and UVA Women in Medical Sciences (WIMS).

Minimum Requirements

Education: Requires a doctoral degree or master's degree with significant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Neuroscience or a related field.
  
• Proficiency in protein biochemistry, cytoskeletal dynamics and cell culture.
  
• Demonstrated ability to independently conduct of laboratory experiments including experimental design, experimental troubleshooting, data display in figures, data analysis including standard statistical analyses, and data management
  
• Experience with live cell imaging approaches for cellular and moleluclar dynamics (e.g. FRAP, FRET, FLIM).
  
• Expertise in the following areas: light microscopy, electron microscopy, primary cell or tissue culture, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, proteomics.
  
• Proficiency with image analysis software (e.g. Image J, photoshop and Imaris), and biostatics analysis software (e.g. GraphPad Prism and R).
  

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.

Salary Range: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location: This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits

Funding Details: This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

Work Arrangement: This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

About UVA and the Community: To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .

Application Timeline: Application review will begin after [DATE].

Additional Requirements: Pre-employment background check and post-employment health screening (to be done within 30 days of the start date) will be conducted on all new hires.

Visa Sponsorship: This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply: Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0074101. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
  
• Cover Letter
  

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.”

Reference Check Process: 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.

Contact: For questions about the position, please contact Xiaowei Lu, [xl6f@virginia.edu]. For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks at mew7ys@virginia.edu.

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.