Research Associate, Department of Genome Sciences

The Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the lab of Dr. Kexin Xu. The selected candidate will perform highly interdisciplinary and collaborative scientific research in one or more of the following areas: decipher the changes in the epigenetic machineries during cancer progression; develop animal models to validate the biological functions of epigenetic enzymes in cancer progression; develop chemical probes and therapeutics for pre-clinical studies and potential clinical applications.

Responsibilities

• Perform all the assays under the PI's instructions, analyze the data, and generate figures for publication and presentation purposes
• Develop research projects based on generated preliminary data
• Draft manuscripts and help the PI with grant application and presentation preparation
• Mentor students and junior postdocs
• Assist with lab maintenance and efficiency

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 in molecular/cellular biology, cancer biology, or closely related biological sciences

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in GEMM models
• Experience in next-generation sequencing technologies and high-throughput screens
• Excellent communication skills

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.

The anticipated hiring range is $62,000-$66,000, 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 March 7, 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 R0080938. 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 position, please contact Dr. Kexin Xu, xtx3wj@virginia.edu.

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.