What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate - Jiang Lab position at The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia?
Are you passionate about unraveling the mysteries of the human brain? Do you havea strong desireto contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of neurodegenerative diseases? Look no further! The Lulu Jiang Lab at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a talented individual to join our dynamic research team as a Postdoctoral Research Associate.
The Lulu Jiang Lab is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the intricate workings of the brain. At our lab, we have a strong emphasis oncomprehendingthe pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and other related dementia disorders. Our primaryobjectiveis to deepen our understanding of these disease conditions. To achieve this, we employcutting-edgetechnologies in disease modeling, allowing us to recreate and study the pathological processes in a controlled environment. Byutilizingthese advanced techniques, we gain insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms that underlie the progression of these diseases.Moreover, our lab is dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.We strive to translate our research findings into practical applications that could potentially lead to the discovery of novel treatments. By integrating our knowledge of disease mechanisms with targeted therapeutic approaches, we aim to make significant contributions to the field of neurodegenerative disease research. Overall, our lab is committed to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases through theutilizationofstate-of-the-arttechnologies and the exploration of molecular mechanisms.
Our research focuses on several key areas that drive our scientific interests and contribute to the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
These areas include:
Investigation of RNA modifications andepitranscriptomicmechanisms in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. By studying how RNA modifications impact disease progression, we aim to uncover novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers.
Exploration of neuron-glia interactions andneuroimmunologicalmechanisms underlying the progression of AD and Parkinson's disease (PD). Understanding the complex interplay between neurons and glial cells willprovidecrucial insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Utilizationof iPSC-induced 3D human brain organoid models to study neurodegenerative diseases and enable precision medicine approaches. These advanced models allow us to recapitulate the complexity of the human brain,facilitatingthe identification of diseasemechanismsand the development of personalized treatment strategies.
Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms driving prion-like propagation in the Braak stages of AD. Investigating the spread of pathological proteins in the brain will contribute to our understanding of disease progression and may lead to the development of interventions that disrupt this process.
Development of innovative genetic and small molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. Our research aims toidentifyandoptimizepotential therapeutic targets, including genetic approaches and small molecules, with the goal ofultimately translatingthese findings into effective treatments for patients.
These research directionsrepresentour current focus and ongoing projects, which collectively contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the development of new strategies for the management and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Withstate-of-the-artfacilities and a collaborative environment, we strive to foster creativity, innovation, and scientific excellence.
Responsibilities
Conducting experiments and data analysis related to ongoing research projects.
Contributing to the development and implementation of research protocols.
Collaborating with fellow researchers and scientists within and outside the lab.
Presenting research findings at conferences and publishing in scientific journals.
Assistingin the training and mentorship of junior lab members.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Doctoral degree
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.
Salary Range
Salary will becommensuratewith education and experience.
Position Type & Work Location
This isan exempt-level,benefitedposition. Learn more aboutUVA benefits.
This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
About UVA and the Community
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visitUVA LifeandEmbark CVA.
Application Timeline
Application review will begin afterAugust 15, 2026.
Additional Requirements
Background checks and pre-employment health screeningswill be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
How to Apply
Please applyonline, by searching for requisition numberR0086042.
Internal applicantsmay search and apply for jobs on theUVA Internal Careers website.
Complete an application with the following documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Upload all materials into the resume submissionfield. You cansubmitmultiple documents intothis onefield or combine them into one PDF.Applications without allrequireddocuments will notreceivefull consideration.
Reference Check Process
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 responsesrequired.
Contact
For more information about our department and our lab, please visithttps://med.virginia.edu/neuroscience/or contact Lulu Jiang atwpm5vs@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, please contactJonFreeman,jf2sw@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.
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, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.