Research Associate, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center

Position: Research Associate, The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center

Department Overview

The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center was established to expand basic, translational, and clinical research of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, aneurysms, and vascular auto‑immune diseases, are the most common cause of death and disability in the United States, and account for approximately 30% of deaths and health care costs annually in this country and developed societies.

The mission of the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center is to support interdisciplinary research in basic, translational and clinical cardiovascular sciences, including cardiovascular development, function, pathophysiology, pharmacology, genetics, genomics, and proteomics, and to apply this knowledge to better understand the causes of cardiovascular diseases and to pioneer development of new innovative therapies and approaches to prevent or treat them.

Position Summary

The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (CVRC) is currently seeking a Research Associate to conduct research on identification and molecular investigation of heart‑derived secreted proteins within the Khetarpal Laboratory. The Khetarpal Laboratory multidisciplinary approach combines mouse models (exercise, heart failure, dyslipidemia), viral vector‑mediated gene delivery (AAV/adenovirus), primary cell culture, quantitative proteomics and lipidomics, CRISPR genome editing, and single‑nucleus RNA‑seq. Trainees will also have opportunities to connect findings to large‑scale human genetic and proteomic datasets.

The incumbent will participate in a multiplicity of relevant lab projects and in writing study reports for the study sponsors, papers, and grant applications and is expected to develop research programs as time permits. The incumbent will also be expected to attend and participate in laboratory meetings and CVRC‑related seminars, as well as work with graduate students, technicians, fellows and collaborators in the laboratories involved in the project.

Note:

Research Associate positions are for candidates who have within the last 3 years. If you have more than 3 years of postdoc experience, in the field of study, you will not be considered.

Responsibilities

• Full‑time research or scholarship at the University.
• Preparatory for a full‑time academic or research career.
• Supervised by a senior scholar; and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education:
  
  Doctoral degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in mouse metabolic and cardiovascular physiology (including exercise testing, echocardiography), molecular and cellular biology, and mammalian cell culture.
• Mitochondrial functional assays in cells and tissues (Seahorse, Ouroboros).
• Culture of rodent cardiomyocytes, adipocytes, and endothelial cells.
• Familiarity with lipoprotein metabolism and lipoprotein metabolic studies in mouse models.
• Genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9) and viral vector transduction (adenovirus, AAV).
• Analysis of proteomic, transcriptomic (bulk or single‑cell), and lipidomic data.
• Experience with culture of induced pluripotent stem cell‑derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC‑CMs).

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 be commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• 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 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, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after October 24, 2025.

Additional Requirements

• 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 R0077265. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Internal applicants

Apply through your Workday profile by searching "Find Jobs."

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third‑party partner, Skill Survey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, jf2sw.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click to read more about UVA's commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

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