Research Associate, Department of Surgery

The Department of Surgery at the University of Virginia School of Medicine seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The Research Associate will participate in the planning, design, execution, and management of research projects that specifically focus on the role of the tumor microenvironment in various oncologic disease processes within the Tsung-Zhang-Ruff lab. It would be helpful for the candidate to have experience with mouse models, but not required.

Responsibilities:

• 60%: Participates in planning, design, execution, and management of research projects, studies and activities in a research laboratory investigating cancer; participates in the execution of ongoing research projects; participates in developing and implementing goals and objectives of studies; designs and executes complex laboratory experiments; performs advanced molecular and cellular techniques; collects, analyzes and interprets research data; assists with development and implementation of new and/or revised research methodologies and techniques; tests experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods and make recommendations for utilization; assists in establishment of controls, criteria and research standards; performs critical analysis of literature relevant to research; coordinates laboratory activities and work assignments graduate and undergraduate students, and laboratory research staff.
• 25%: Assists 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; assists principal investigator in the preparation of proposals to obtain new or renewal of extramural funding in support of research.
• 10%: Provides updates to PI on progress of research; oversees and coordinates periodic maintenance and testing of laboratory equipment; performs additional duties as assigned.
• 5%: Participates in teamwork, assists in mentoring medical students, undergraduate students.

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 years1 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Doctoral degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with planning, design, execution, and management of research projects that specifically focus on the role of the tumor microenvironment in various oncologic disease processes
• Experience with small 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 will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after November 29, 2025.

Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0078212. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the position, please contact Samantha Ruff, JZP9RG@uvahealth.org.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.

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.