Research Scientist in Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics Kaya Lab

The Kaya Lab at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated Research Scientist to join our research team studying the molecular mechanisms of aging using yeast and mammalian cell culture models. Our lab integrates cutting-edge techniques in genetics, synthetic biology, mitochondrial biology, and genome engineering to investigate conserved pathways that regulate cellular longevity, metabolic resilience, and stress responses.

About the Lab

The Kaya Lab is a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment focused on both basic and translational aspects of aging biology. We utilize a range of model systems including yeast, C. elegans, mammalian cell cultures, and mouse models to dissect the genetic and metabolic mechanisms that influence lifespan and healthspan. Our projects are supported by NIH and private foundation funding and are positioned at the intersection of mitochondrial biology, aging, and metabolic regulation.

The successful candidate will lead a funded project aimed at understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial proteome changes influence cellular proteostasis and aging. The project will employ genome-wide tools, CRISPR-based gene perturbation platforms, and metabolic assays to uncover novel regulators of aging and stress tolerance. Collaborative opportunities exist with other labs working on aging and systems biology within UVA and beyond.

Research Scientists are expected to perform assigned tasks independently. In addition to a firm background in the particular field, Research Scientists should demonstrate the ability to lead small groups and work without additional supervision once objectives are defined and methods of approach are set. As Senior Professional Research Staff, they are not expected to provide formal guidance to students or otherwise participate in the instructional program.

In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field
Extensive hands-on experience with yeast genetics and molecular biology

A strong track record of scientific productivity demonstrated by publications
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment

PREFERRED REUIREMENTS

Experience with high-throughput screening, synthetic biology, or mitochondrial assays
Familiarity with omics approaches or bioinformatics
Enthusiasm for aging research and mentoring junior trainees

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.

This position is on-site in Charlottesville, VA.

This is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding and performance. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits .

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A health screen is required for this position.

TO APPLY

Please apply through Careers at UVA , and search for R0071785. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV or Resume
  
• Cover letter
  

Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process Skill Survey during the final phase of the interview process. For questions about the application process, please contact Michelle Johnson, Recruiter at mdj9w@virginia.edu.

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/ .

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physicians Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experience. We are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.