Research Scientist, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

The Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine within the School of Medicine at The University of Virginia is seeking two Research Scientists to join us working on integrative projects under the mentoring and supervision of Dr. Anny Xiaobo Zhou, the Director of Center for Translational Genomics Initiative in Respiratory Diseases. The research goals of the Center are to determine the function of genes identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in respiratory diseases, including asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), particularly on genes that regulate cellular energy metabolism thereby determining the stemness of alveolar epithelial progenitors.

We combine ex vivo lung organoid models, in vivo lineage tracing and lung slices to evaluate functional impacts of novel GWAS genes. We are interested in how these novel GWAS genes, expressed in either alveolar progenitors or niche cells, determine alveolar epithelial repair/regeneration, modulate lipid and/or glucose metabolism, regulate RNA modification and fine-tune innate immune response in epithelial progenitors intrinsically and through cell-cell communications. Additional translational projects will involve in vivo delivery of compounds, drugs, siRNA or nanoparticles targeting these novel GWAS genes for therapy.

Candidates who are passionate about science and with solid knowledge and strong skills related to CRISPR editing, epithelial biology, organoid models, cellular metabolism and innate immune response are strongly encouraged to apply. You will work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research area. We also encourage applications from candidates with combined skills in molecular biology and analytic skills for next generation sequencing data.

Duties/Responsibilities may include:

• Perform laboratory experiments.
• Supervise technicians, post-docs, and graduate students for technical trouble shooting.
• Assist in manuscript preparation of research findings.
• Literature and manuscript review.
• Attend and/or present at related seminars and national and international conferences.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Bioengineering or related field or master's degree with significant experience. PhD is preferred.
• At least five years or more of post-doc experience preferred
• Candidates with expertise and skills in scRNA-seq and other next Gene sequencing data analysis are preferred

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 R0067560. 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 Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, at sxv9zv@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.