The University of Virginia's Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate to join a foundational (basic) and translational biological/health science research laboratory investigating melanoma and cancer immunology. The prospective candidate will be working in a new laboratory headed by surgical oncologist Dr. Russell Witt studying melanoma and cancer immunotherapy responses. The laboratory is focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying response to immunotherapy in melanoma and how diet, exercise, and the microbiome can influence immunotherapy response. The ideal candidate is adaptable, willing to learn new techniques, facile in experimental design and able to work independently and collaboratively. This position has a start date of September 1, 2023.

The responsibilities of the position are as follows:

• Participate in planning, designing, executing, and managing research projects related to cancer and cancer immunology research.
• Develop and implement goals and objectives for studies.
• Design and execute simple and complex laboratory experiments using advanced molecular and cellular techniques.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret research data.
• Perform experiments that utilize cell culture, DNA/RNA isolation, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy, preparation of materials for advanced techniques such as digital spatial profiling, 16S or whole genome sequencing
• Test experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods and make recommendations for utilization.
• Assist in the maintenance of a mouse colony
• Statistical/graphical analysis for laboratory data presentations
• Participation in regular laboratory meetings
• Perform critical analysis of literature relevant to the research being undertaken.
• Assist in the preparation of research papers and manuscripts for publication and presentation at national conferences and workshops, and in the writing of project reports, articles, and other documents.
• Assist the principal investigator in the preparation of proposals to obtain new or renewal of extramural funding in support of research.
• Coordinate laboratory activities and work assignments of research scientists, medical and surgical residents, graduate and undergraduate students, and laboratory research staff.
• Oversee and coordinate periodic maintenance and testing of laboratory equipment.
• In addition to the above responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

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

 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 years 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.

Qualified candidates must have:

• PhD and/or MD degree in an appropriate biological/health science
• Ability to translate, adapt, and apply academic and/or practical knowledge in the conduct of biological/health science research.
• Experience in cancer or immunology research capacity is preferred.
• Strong background in cancer research, immunology, and molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and scientific software applications.
• Experience in managing laboratory activities and training students and staff is preferred.
• Requires successful completion of a background check; qualified candidates may be asked to complete a pre-employment physical, including a drug screen.

This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance. This position has a start date of September 1, 2023 and 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 health screening is required. This position is located in Charlottesville, VA.

To Apply:

Please apply through Workday , and search for R0047479. 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, Academic 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 .

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines  webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements?and?guidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s 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 experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action 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 (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.