University of Virginia

A position is available at the Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research (CIC), at the University of Virginia in the research group of Dr. Coleen McNamara to study the role of IgE to Alpha-gal in atherosclerosis. We have shown that humans with IgE to Alpha-gal have increased coronary artery plaque volume and features of plaque instability, as measured by intravascular ultrasound (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2018 Jul;38(7):1665-1669). Follow on studies implicated the CCL20-CCR6 axis in B cell class switching to IgE in humans (Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022 Jan 13;8:791028). We are now seeking a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms involved. The project is part of a newly funded MPI R01 and will utilize novel mouse models, adoptive transfer studies, gene expression analysis, flow and mass cytometry, and biospecimen (plasma and PBMCs) from human subjects with and without CVD. 

Job responsibilities include:

• Full-time research or scholarship at the University.
• Preparatory for a full-time academic or research career.
• Supervised by a senior scholar; and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must have a PhD and/or MD degree(s) in hand by start date.

Preferred experience:

• Demonstrated experience in immunology, molecular and cellular biology, or a related field.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, and/or human translational research. 
• Preference will be given to candidates with a PhD, or equivalent degree in a relative scientific field of study
• Eligibility for NIH post-doctoral fellowship funding is helpful but not mandatory

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven grant writing skills is also important (e.g., post-doctoral awards and/or submitted PI-level grants).
• Highly motivated to develop new research avenues.

Postdoctoral employment is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a doctoral degree within the previous five years. 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. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

This position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.

TO APPLY

Please apply through Workday, and search for R0053118. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV or Resume
• Cover letter
• Contact information for three professional references

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Questions relating to the application process should be directed to Jeremy Brofft, Senior Recruiting Specialist, xmf9ad@virginia.edu.

For information on resources for postdocs at UVA, visit https://postdoc.virginia.edu/. For more information on the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville.

About the CIC

The CIC was established to expand basic, translational, and clinical research in Immunology. It is a vibrant, collaborative community of Immunologist studying immune mechanisms in a variety of contexts. https://www.immunology.virginia.edu/

About the University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is an iconic public institution of higher education, boasting nationally ranked schools and programs, distinguished faculty, a major academic medical center and proud history as a renowned research university. The community and culture of the University are enriched by active student self-governance, sustained commitment to the arts and a robust NCAA Division 1 Athletics program. www.virginia.edu

About Charlottesville

Located in Central Virginia just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville offers stunning beauty, extraordinary culture and an inexhaustible list of things to do. In the span of a single day, you can go horseback riding, dine at a five-star restaurant and catch a concert at one of the many performance venues downtown. Charlottesville brings together the best of many worlds, offering the livability and community found in smaller cities with the amenities and cultural attractions of a metropolis. www.charlottesville.guide

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Education: Doctoral degree Experience: None Licensure: None 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.