The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The position carries out research studies in the laboratory of Dr. Araceli Santiago in the Child Health Research Center (CHRC). Dr. Santiago's laboratory focuses on understanding the role of ANR (A raC n egative r egulators) in the pathogenesis of diarrheagenic E. coli . ANRs are a novel class of small regulatory proteins that modulate intestinal colonization by enteropathogens.   For more information about the Child Health Research Center, please visit: https://med.virginia.edu/chrc/

The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic, highly motivated individual interested in microbial pathogenesis in the context of human health and disease. The Research Associate will be held to the highest expectations in the ethical conduct of scientific research.  The successful candidate is expected to work both independently and collaboratively on several projects to study molecular mechanisms of ANRs in the pathogenesis of Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) and other E. coli pathotypes of public health importance employing molecular techniques and human intestinal stem cells. The successful candidate will benefit from a community of interactive research labs.

Job duties include:

• Design and set-up experiments.

• Understand and perform necessary research techniques.

• Analyze, evaluate, and present data with the goal to publish and secure extramural funding.

• Prepare manuscripts and posters for national symposiums. 

• Remain current with the appropriate research literature.

• Participate in lab meetings and relevant science seminars.

• Full-time research or scholarship at the University.

• Preparatory for a full-time academic or research career.

• Supervised by a senior scholar; and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship.

• In addition to these job duties, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum qualifications:

Qualified applicants must have an M.D. and/or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, Cell and Molecular Biology, or a related field at the time of hire.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated skills must include the use of techniques in cell and molecular biology, such as cell culture and general techniques of recombinant DNA and protein purification.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to effectively interact with a diverse group of scientists and students.

• Ability to work with laboratory animals.

Preferred qualifications/experience:

• At least one first-authored publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

• Experience working with pathogenic E. coli .

• Experience working with small laboratory animals.

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 is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a restricted position, renewable on an annual basis, contingent on satisfactory performance and the continued availability of funding.  Priority review of applications will begin on April 01, 2023, but the position will remain open until filled. The successful candidate will pass an education verification, criminal background check and pre-employment health screening.  This is a full-time benefited position.  For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits. This position will sponsor applicants for work visas.

To Apply:
Process for Internal UVA Applicants: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Job”, and search for "R0046293."

Process for External Applicants: Please visit UVA job board at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and search for "R0046293."

Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV/Resume.

• Cover letter.

• Contact information for three references/Three letters of reference

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.  Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

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

For questions regarding the application process, please Christi Maguire, Recruiting Specialist, at clm8sd@virginia.edu .  For additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Santiago, Department of Pediatrics, at aes8j@virginia.edu.

The UVA Department of Pediatrics and the UVA Children’s Hospital share a common goal to enhance the health and well-being of children and families through collaborative medical care, education of professionals dedicated to pediatric healthcare, breakthrough research that improves lives, leadership, and community service. For more information on the Department of Pediatrics, visit our website: https://med.virginia.edu/pediatrics/ .

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.

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.