Postdoctoral Research Associate - Gioeli Lab, Urology

The Gioeli Lab in the Department of Urology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our collaborative and highly productive research team.

The lab focuses on translational cancer biology, specifically on the molecular mechanisms driving prostate cancer progression and therapeutic resistance
. Our research spans three interconnected programs:

• HULLK lncRNA – mechanistic investigation of a novel lncRNA oncogene that confers anoikis resistance through dual regulation of RhoA signaling, relevant to metastatic dissemination.
• ERG oncogene inhibition – development and characterization of small molecule inhibitors of the ERG/ETS transcription factor as a therapeutic strategy, with emerging work at the intersection of ERG, immune evasion, and checkpoint blockade sensitivity.
• Androgen receptor (AR) signaling – dissection of how post‑translational modifications and co‑regulatory networks reprogram AR activity in castration‑resistant prostate cancer.

This is a full‑time,
12‑month appointment renewable for up to four additional one‑year terms, contingent on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

• Lead independent research projects in one or more of the lab's active programs.
• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments spanning molecular biology, cell biology, and in vivo/ex vivo model systems.
• Contribute to grant preparation, manuscript writing, and scientific presentations.
• Collaborate with internal lab members and external partners across disciplines.
• Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and Cancer Center activities.

Education:

Doctoral degree in a related field. (Postdocs generally limited to individuals who received their doctoral degree within the past five years.)

Physical Demands:
Primarily sedentary, extensive use of desktop computers, occasional travel to attend meetings.

• PhD (or equivalent) in cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field, in hand by start date.
• Demonstrated hands‑on research experience and a track record of productivity (publications or manuscripts in preparation).
• Background in transcription factor biology, lncRNA biology, signal transduction, or tumor immunology.
• Experience with in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo tumor model systems.
• Familiarity with prostate cancer or endocrine‑driven malignancies.
• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and scientific writing skills.
• Self‑motivated, collaborative, and comfortable working at the interface of basic and translational science.

This is an exempt‑level, benefited position. The postdoc benefits at UVA include health, dental, vision, and additional retirement and disability coverage. For more information on benefits, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The position is based in Charlottesville, VA and must be performed fully on‑site.

Salary will be commensurate with education, experience, and NIH guidelines. Background checks and pre‑employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

Questions about the position:
Andrew Christie (ASC9D). For questions about the application process:
Lyndsay Thaxton (enn9zv).

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.