Research Scientist or Research Associate in Chemical Biology Immunology

Research Scientist or Research Associate in Chemical Biology for Immunology

The Pompano Laboratory at the University of Virginia welcomes applications for a new colleague to join our team in either a Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Research Associate role. This position is focused on projects that feature chemical biology, bioanalytical chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, and/or immunology. Potential projects include developing methods for spatially resolved protein detection in live tissues, advancing ex vivo lymphoid culture models, and testing drugs and immunotherapies in murine and human lymph node models.

Depending on the interests of the candidate, there is the potential for entrepreneurial development of the protein detection system.

This new lab member will join the vibrant intellectual community at UVA, including participating in seminars and research‑in‑progress talks in the topic area of their choice. They will write impactful scientific papers and present their work at national and/or international conferences. Postdoctoral scholars and Research Scientists participate in grant writing, mentoring, and aspects of lab management, as appropriate to career goals.

Once established, they help provide leadership within the lab, assist in the training of graduate and undergraduate students, help maintain a high‑energy and collegial lab culture. All lab members maintain detailed scientific records of their work and help keep laboratory safety regulations.

Our laboratory develops bioanalytical methods, ex vivo culture systems, and organs‑on‑chip to study events that lead to the immune response, such as during vaccination, infection, or chronic disease. Our work is truly interdisciplinary, and we are cross‑affiliated with the Departments of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, as well as the Carter Immunology Center and UVA Cancer Center. We value diverse perspectives and cultivate an inclusive and collegial environment.

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The historic University of Virginia is consistently ranked one of the top 3 public universities in the country by US News and World Report, with a vibrant research enterprise that supports cross‑disciplinary scholarship. We are located in beautiful Charlottesville, VA, near the Blue Ridge Mountains, with a strong cultural and restaurant scene and college town energy. Travel to Washington, DC in just two hours, or the Atlantic Ocean in three.

• Postdoctoral Research Associate:
  Completion of a Ph.D. in a related discipline is required by the appointment start date. Eligible fields include Biochemistry, Immunology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or other related fields. Postdoctoral scholars receive excellent training with an emphasis on future leadership positions. Starting salary is set to the NIH NRSA scale, and scholars are supported to transition to their next career stage in 2–3 years.
• Research Scientist: A Masters degree with 5+ years of related experience or a Ph.D. with 3+ years of post‑Ph.D. experience in a related field is required. Research Scientists receive continued career development, with the potential for long‑term employment if mutually satisfactory (contingent on availability of funding). Starting salary is $60,000–$70,000, dependent on qualifications and experience.

• Ability to clearly explain the goals and impact of your prior research in written and verbal communication, e.g. in your cover letter and in an interview.
• Curiosity to learn new techniques and skills.
• Demonstrated ability to bring a project to completion.
• Ability to collaborate with team members of different backgrounds.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and advance multiple projects simultaneously.
• A dedication to quality, partnership, mutual respect, and safety.

Candidates with at least two of the following related scientific skills/experience will be given priority:

• Experience with peptide or protein biochemistry and bioconjugation chemistry.
• Chemical biology methods, such as design of molecular probes, binders, linkers, or biorthogonal chemistry.
• Immunoassays or other detail‑oriented bioassays.
• Molecular…