The Center for Healthy Brain Development at the University of Virginia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary team of investigators studying brain development across the lifespan. We seek a candidate with strong research experience who can hit the ground running in contributing to NIH-funded projects that characterize the neurobiological complexity and clinical heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder. The successful candidate will develop a rigorous, independent research program that contributes to and complements ongoing studies of typical and atypical neurodevelopment within the Center. The candidate will report to Dr. Kevin Pelphrey and be expected to work collaboratively with other team members (i.e., faculty, students, and staff) while conducting research projects in the Center.

This is a full-time, 12-month appointment renewable for up to two (2) additional one-year terms, contingent on need, satisfactory performance, and funding availability.

Per UVA policy, postdoctoral appointments are generally limited to individuals who received their doctoral degree within the past five years.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-species neuroimaging acquisition and analyses.

• Apply machine learning and other quantitative approaches to high-dimensional neuroimaging and omics datasets.

• Generate and analyze molecular and cellular data.

• Contribute to wet-lab efforts in cellular and animal models.

• Prepare manuscripts and present findings at national and international conferences; contribute to grant applications.

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate trainees and participate in a collaborative, team-science laboratory environment.

• Apply for funding mechanisms.

In addition to the above, other duties may be assigned.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Experience integrating data across molecular, cellular, and systems levels within a single research program.

• Demonstrated expertise in autism from biological and behavioral perspectives.

• Experience working with developmental populations, including children and adolescents.

• A record of peer-reviewed publications and a track record of independent, self-directed research.

• Experience mentoring trainees and contributing to community engagement or outreach.

• Demonstrated ability to secure research funding.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Doctoral degree in related field.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in neuroscience, psychology, biology, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline by the appointment start date. Candidates who are ABD at the time of application may be considered, provided they complete all requirements for the Ph.D. before the appointment begins.

• Demonstrated experience with the acquisition, management, and/or analysis of neuroimaging data.

• Demonstrated proficiency applying machine learning or other advanced computational and statistical methods to complex biological datasets.

• Wet-lab experience including stem cell work, animal models, and confocal microscopy.

• Working knowledge of autism spectrum disorder, including behavioral phenotypes and therapeutic or interventional approaches.

• Training or experience coding in R, MATLAB, and/or Python.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail and scientific rigor.

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

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site. To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after August 23 and will remain open until filled. Salary will be commensurate with education, experience, and NIH guidelines. Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0086315. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Cover Letter

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

• Statement of Research Interests

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.

Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Please be prepared to have three (3) confidential letters of reference submitted on your behalf if selected for interview.

Reference checks may also 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 regarding this position, please contact Anna Ballantyne, Administrator, Center for Healthy Brain Development, at ab2zg@virginia.edu.

For questions about the application process or HR related inquiries, please contact Lyndsay Thaxton at enn9zv@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.