The Wenker Laboratory at the University of Virginia, Department of Anesthesiology, seeks a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate or Research Scientist. The Wenker Lab focuses on brainstem neural circuits that contribute to fatal seizures, and this position will support a newly funded NIH R01 grant focused on elucidating mechanisms of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The experiments proposed are cutting-edge and address the essential and open field of SUDEP research. 

UVA Anesthesiology provides an environment where expertise and passions thrive, utilizing our extraordinary team of anesthesia physicians, trainees, nurses and staff to advance patient care within UVA Health. With excellence in physician leadership, research, education and innovations, we strive to improve perioperative outcomes, establish unparalleled practices in patient care, and advance the field of anesthesiology globally.  Clinical and Basic Science Research are an essential part of the mission in the UVA Department of Anesthesiology. 

The successful applicant will perform stereotaxic surgery involving electrode/optrode implantation, viral vector injection, and cardiac/muscle lead surgery. The position will work independently to design, run, and troubleshoot experiments that record numerous biosignals (e.g., EEG, EKG, blood pressure, plethysmography, and breathing muscle EMG) in mice using existing systems in the laboratory. Standard preclinical epilepsy/seizure protocols and pharmacology and optogenetic techniques will also be performed. The position may also perform patch-clamp recordings from brainstem neurons, routine immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence microscopy, general lab duties (ordering and mouse husbandry), and other standard wet laboratory procedures, including solution preparation, different imaging approaches, and electrode construction.

This position will report to the Principal Investigator (PI). All team members meet individually with the PI weekly to summarize their progress and troubleshoot their projects. They will also participate in the Epilepsy Interest Group here at UVA by attending weekly and presenting semi-annually.

The successful applicant may also be asked to peer review manuscripts, replicate findings of others in the lab, help with presentations, mentor students, and perform other standard biological experiments.

Minimum Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Neuroscience, Physiology, Neurobiology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• High level of understanding concerning the mammalian nervous system and preclinical use of rodents for neural disease research, with particular focus on epilepsy.
• Experience with rodent handling, stereotaxic surgery, in vivo electrophysiology, histological assessment, and/or optogenetics.
• Evidence of prior research productivity, such as peer reviewed publications or preprints.
• Familiarity with data and statistical analysis software.

Physical Demands

• This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers.
• The job occasionally requires traveling some distance to attend scientific conferences.

For additional information about the position, please contact Ian Wenker at icw7f@virginia.edu .

This position is located in Charlottesville, VA.

This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits .

Review of Applicants will begin on July 19, 2023 and the position will remain open until filled.   The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.  A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment. 

To Apply:

Please apply through Workday , and search for R0049981. 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 describing the applicant's interest and experience relevant to the ongoing research of the Wenker Lab

All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process Skill Survey.  A total of five references will be requested via Skill Survey during the final phase of the interview process.

For questions about the application process, please contact Ashley Cochran, Senior Recruiter at alc6dk@virginia.edu .

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

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.