Research Scientist, Division of Infectious Diseases

The laboratory of Dr. Molly Hughes in the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health at the University of Virginia School of Medicine seeks a Research Scientist to lead the pre-clinical development and proof-of-concept testing of aerosolized peptide antimicrobials to combat pulmonary infections caused by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

The candidate is expected to lead and conduct research projects associated with the characterization, optimization, and translational development of aerosolized antimicrobial peptides towards treating pulmonary infections caused by biodefense and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The position will entail diverse in vitro bacteriologic and biochemical experiments, as well as extensive in vivo work using murine models of infectious diseases. Animal model research will include a variety of pathogenic bacteria and will involve the use/maintenance of aerosol-generating equipment.

Responsibilities will include designing and executing experiments; writing manuscripts, progress reports, and animal research protocols; assisting with the preparation of grant applications; scholarly activities such as presenting project findings at conferences; supervising/training students and staff in a collaborative manner; and acting as a liaison with animal care staff, vendors, and industry partners.

In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Doctoral degree in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Biomedical Engineering, or related field. Other terminal degrees accepted with significant research experience (e.g., master’s, MD, DVM).

Preferred Qualifications:
*3-5 years of post-doctoral training in a relevant field, with the demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and report laboratory science.

*Excellent oral and written communication skills as evidenced by a solid record of presentations and publications.

*Shown ability to adapt existing strategies, and/or develop new methods and systems, to generate and apply research findings.

*Prior experience using aerosol-generating equipment in animal model research.

*Research skills for conducting studies related to murine models of bacterial infection (especially pneumonia/pulmonary infection), bacteriology, host defense, and antimicrobial development.

Physical Demands:
Performing the duties of this job will require sitting, standing, moving, and fine manipulation to conduct bench-top experiments and operate instrumentation. Occasionally, travel will be required to attend meetings.

This position is located in Charlottesville, VA. This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.  This is an exempt-level, benefitted position.   The 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.

To Apply:

Please apply here .  Internal applicants must apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs,” and search for “R0056406.”

Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Contact information for 3 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.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Recruiter, at [email protected] .

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/ .

For more information on benefits, please visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits .

The University of Virginia, i ncluding 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.