Research Scientist, Pharmacology: Mailman Lab

State of Virginia • Charlottesville, VA

100d

About The Position

The Department of Pharmacology at the University of Virginia in the School of Medicine seeks a Research Scientist to work in the Lab of Dr. Richard Mailman. The individual in this position will be the primary staff researcher for Dr. Mailman's research program that has just moved to UVA. The Mailman laboratory focuses on disorders of the central nervous system that includes psychiatric and neurological disorders. Our approach focuses on dopamine neurotransmission and systems that interaction with dopamine. There are three primary research areas. The first is to understand the subtilties of signaling mediated by the D1 dopamine and its related D5 receptor, and to develop novel ways to affect their signaling that can cause therapeutic benefit. Our research has already led to a clinical breakthrough that should be available to patients by early 2026, but second generation compounds are likely to result from our research. The same target also has been shown to cause profound improvement in cognition and this is another area of focus. A second area is the study of functional selectivity (also caused biased signaling) of the dopamine D2 receptor. We have pilot data suggesting a feasible mechanism that can be the first major improvement in treating schizophrenia in 70 years, but further understanding of the involved mechanisms and discovery of good drug candidates is a priority. Finally, we are interest in the potential neurotoxicity caused by the most commonly use current drug for Parkinson's disease. If our hypothesis is correct, it may be possible to make Parkinson's disease as manageable as high blood pressure. We desire a well-trained and experienced candidate who is interested in brain disorders and desires to participate in basic research with a high likelihood of impacting new clinical approaches. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal (for an additional two, one-year increments) contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

Requirements

• Requires a PhD or equivalent in hand by start date.
• Proven track record of independent research (preferably related to neurological or brain disorders).
• Experience mentoring and training staff and graduate students in the technical components of research work.
• A master's degree with significant experience may also be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities and a proven track record of first-author publications.
• Experience in grant writing, with enthusiasm for contributing to the preparation of lab grants and scholarly manuscripts.
• A proactive interest in exploring innovative research avenues with confidence and curiosity.
• High motivation and strong technical skills to lead and advance research initiatives.
• Excellent organizational abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a team environment, including a willingness to both mentor and learn from colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Manage the planning, scheduling, conducting, and analysis of in vitro projects lab. Maintain current established lines, and create new lines useful for research. Experience with fundamental molecular biological approaches and of culture and use of mammalian cell lines is essential.
• Analysis of ligand/receptor interactions using ligand binding and characterization of signaling. This includes expertise with western blots, and other current methods of signaling analysis.
• Develop novel receptor functional assays based on recent reports in the literature or ideas generated from the efforts of our laboratory.
• Help maintain lab equipment and keep supplies in stock, and work with Dr. Mailman on preparing and refining necessary biosafety and chemical protocols as required.
• Play a key role in the education of new trainees and staff in the techniques and approaches used in the laboratory. Insure that all users are trained to follow protocols and adhere to quality control standards.
• Help setting objectives for our in vitro research, determining feasibility of new projects, critiquing projects under development, and providing critical input into dissemination of these ideas in grant applications and publications. Be involved in the preparation of new grant applications including design of experiments. Participate actively at the level of a contributing author in the design, execution, analysis and interpretation of data that leads to published manuscripts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees