Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Microbiology

UVA Health
Charlottesville, VA

The Cliffe lab in the UVA School of Medicine Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate towork on the mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus latent infection in neurons. Specifically, the candidate will investigate the epigenetic regulation of HSV latency and reactivation. Multiple projects areavailable, based on strong preliminary data, and are funded by NIH grants. The projects will inform on how the virusestablisheslatent infection with the capacity to undergo reactivation, in addition to using the virus to inform on epigenetic processes in neurons.

More details about the Cliffe lab can be found herehttps://mic.med.virginia.edu/cliffe/

The ideal candidates will have a PhD with experience in relevant areas of biology, first-authorpublication(s), and the ability to work well in a highly interactive, creative, and collaborative environment.


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

  • Doctoral degree

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong background in virology or molecular biology

  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment

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 will becommensuratewith education and experience.

This is an exempt-level,benefitedposition. Learn more aboutUVA 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 ofrenewalcontingent 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, visitUVA LifeandEmbark CVA.

Application review will begin afterMay 10th2026.

Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

How to Apply

Please applyonline, by searching for requisition numberR0083032. Complete an application with the following documents:

  • Resume

  • Cover letter summarizing yourpast experience, researchinterestsand career goals

  • Contact informationfor at least three letters of recommendation

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You cansubmitmultiple documents intothis onefield or combine them into one PDF.Applications without all required documents will notreceivefull consideration.

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

For questions about the position, please contactBill Crane, Senior Recruiter, xer5ff@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.

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