Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cai Lab, Department of Surgery

The Cai Lab in the Division of Surgical Sciences at UVA School of Medicine invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This position is ideal for a highly motivated early-career scientist eager to develop an independent research trajectory within a well-funded, collaborative program at the intersection of cardiovascular biology, muscle physiology, pulmonary pathophysiology, and surgical oncology.

About the Lab

We use diverse vitro and in vivo experimental platforms to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying disease processes in cardiac and skeletal muscle, lung, and tumor biology. The lab offers a rigorous yet supportive training environment with strong mentorship, active grant funding, and a track record of trainee career advancement.

Responsibilities

• Research: Design and execute experiments in molecular and cellular biology and small animal models of muscle or lung function and pathophysiology. Specific duties include performing and optimizing in vivo murine studies assessing skeletal or cardiac muscle performance, lung mechanics, injury, and remodeling. Core techniques include cell culture, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and histological analysis. The associate will contribute to data interpretation, manuscript preparation, and grant progress reports.
• Lab Management: Assist in maintaining mouse breeding colonies, genotyping, and record-keeping in compliance with IACUC regulations and UVA vivarium policies. Help coordinate reagent inventory and ensure proper upkeep of shared laboratory equipment.
• Mentoring: Assist in training and mentoring junior laboratory members, including undergraduate researchers, medical students, and graduate students, in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication under the PI's guidance.

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 years 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

Ph.D. or M.D. (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology, or a related discipline

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques (Western blot, qRT-PCR, immunostaining, cell culture, etc.)
• Experience with small animal models, particularly studies of skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, or pulmonary function and disease
• Familiarity with IACUC-compliant animal handling and experimental procedures
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by at least one first-author peer-reviewed publication

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.

The hiring range is $63,480-$65,000, commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

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 June 6, 2026.

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 R0084319. 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.

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. 

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 application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, [email protected].

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.