Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Surgery

The Ibrahim Lab in the Department of Surgery at the University of Virginia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to perform and assist with studies concerning cardiac microstructure, T-tubule biology, and translational heart failure research.

Research responsibilities include working with small and large animals and performing/assisting with in vitro and in vivo experiments related to ongoing studies, including:

• Surgical procedures
• T-tubule and dyadic remodeling in human heart failure
• Myocardial slice physiology as a high-fidelity human model
• Advanced confocal and super-resolution imaging
• Mechanistic calcium signaling and excitation–contraction coupling
• Translating structural biology insights toward device and therapeutic innovation
• Assistance with collection and entry of data in electronic media
• Supporting daily lab activities, maintenance, and general laboratory upkeep
• Ordering/purchasing materials and supplies, including purchasing through the procurement system
• Other duties as assigned

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic team-oriented individual with a willingness to learn, collaborate, and take on new challenges. Candidates must be able to:

• Perform routine laboratory data analysis and research procedures
• Independently prepare solutions and reagents
• Perform or learn to work with animal models (including surgical techniques; training provided if necessary)
• Work diligently with strong attention to detail
• Analyze and organize work procedures; plan and execute tasks/experiments; interpret and report findings, writing skills
• Work a flexible schedule when required, including occasional additional hours, to support time-sensitive transplant needs that may occur at any time
• Train in and comply with BSL-2 procedures
• Demonstrate reproducibility and strong critical thinking skills

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

PhD in in Biology, Chemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a 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.

Salary will be 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 May 5, 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 R0082800. 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 theUVA 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, sxv9zv@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.