Research Assistant Professor

University of Virginia • Charlottesville, VA

6d

About The Position

The Yang Lab in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is seeking a non-tenure-track Research Assistant Professor. The lab studies how cells sense and respond to organelle stress, particularly mitochondrial stress signaling, the integrated stress response (ISR), and endoplasmic reticulum stress responses. Its interdisciplinary approaches include structural biology, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and protein engineering to investigate the mechanisms underlying these pathways and their roles in human disease.

Under the direction of Dr. Jie Yang, the Research Assistant Professor will conduct independent and collaborative research. The role includes advanced biochemical, molecular, and cellular studies; developing and carrying out research projects; assisting with laboratory operations and management; and providing scientific and technical guidance to laboratory members. The position offers substantial independence in coordinating projects with Dr. Yang and encourages development of new research directions, collaborations, manuscripts, and external funding proposals.

Requirements

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology, biophysics, or a related field.
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Strong record of research productivity and peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, or related experimental approaches.
• Ability to independently design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot research experiments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.
• Experience mentoring or training junior researchers.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate multiple research activities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in cellular stress responses, mitochondrial biology, integrated stress signaling, protein biochemistry, or structural biology.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform advanced experiments using molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, biochemistry, protein expression and purification, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and cellular functional assays.
• Develop and execute research projects focused on cellular stress-response pathways, including mitochondrial stress signaling and the integrated stress response.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and research proposals.
• Coordinate and participate in laboratory research activities and provide scientific and technical assistance to postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, visiting scholars, and research staff.
• Train and mentor new laboratory members in experimental methods, laboratory procedures, and data analysis.
• Assist with laboratory management, including organizing research activities, maintaining laboratory resources, and implementing experimental procedures and protocols.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and contribute to evaluating and developing research methods, experimental strategies, and new research directions.
• Establish and facilitate collaborations with investigators within UVA and at other institutions.
• Apply for appropriate internal and external research funding as PI, co-PI, or co-investigator.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree