Senior Research Scientist, Cai Lab, Department of Surgery
About The Position
The Cai Lab in the Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery at UVA School of Medicine seeks a full-time Senior Research Scientist. This is a senior-level, non-tenure-track position within an externally funded, highly productive research program at the intersection of cardiovascular biology, cardiac surgery, and oncology. We investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of myocardial infarction, cardiac remodeling, and tumor progression using a broad range of in vitro and in vivo platforms. The lab is well-funded, collaborative, and committed to rigorous science in a supportive environment.
Requirements
- Doctoral degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, Pharmacology, or a related field
- Minimum 10 years of postdoctoral and/or research scientist experience with progressively independent responsibility
- Expertise in at least three of the following: (a) molecular and cellular biology; (b) small animal myocardial infarction models; (c) echocardiographic cardiac phenotyping; (d) orthotopic cancer transplantation models.
- Experience with IACUC-compliant animal handling and surgery
- Strong publication records commensurate with experience
- Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills
Responsibilities
- Design and execute experiments in molecular/cellular biology, small animal cardiovascular models, and in vivo cancer studies.
- Performing murine myocardial infarction surgeries (LAD ligation or ischemia-reperfusion).
- Conducting and interpreting echocardiographic imaging.
- Carrying out orthotopic transplantation of cancer cells.
- Utilizing techniques such as immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry.
- Contributing to manuscript preparation, grant applications, and IACUC protocol submissions.
- Overseeing mouse breeding colonies, genotyping, and vivarium compliance.
- Managing reagent inventory, equipment maintenance, and biosafety practices per UVA EHS guidelines.
- Training and mentoring undergraduate, medical, and graduate students in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing.
- Assisting the PI in monitoring trainee progress.
Benefits
- Exempt-level, benefited position
- UVA benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
