Research Associate, Cope Lab

About the Position

Dr. Elise Cope’s Lab (copelab.org) in the Department of Neuroscience and the Center of Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) at the University of Virginia is seeking to hire a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate how structural plasticity contributes to social memory function in the healthy and diseased brain. Research focuses on hippocampal microcircuits underlying social memory, with an emphasis on adult‑born neurons, perineuronal nets, and microglia.

The Cope Lab employs behavioral, histological, pharmacologic, environmental, transgenic, viral, chemo genetic, and in‑vivo electrophysiological methods to uncover how these cells and their cellular or extracellular structures interact and shape hippocampal social memory function.

• Manage independent projects and lead experimental design.
• Interact with lab members and collaborators, present findings at lab meetings and conferences.
• Write grant applications and manuscript submissions.
• Learn and adopt new techniques as part of training requirements.
• Mentor and teach students.

The appointment is 12 months with the possibility of renewal dependent on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

• Doctoral degree in neuroscience or a related field by the start date.
• First‑author publications.
• Experience in independent experimental conduct, including design, figure preparation, statistical analysis, and data management.
• Interest and confidence in developing new techniques for hypothesis testing.
• High motivation and technical capacity to drive a research project.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills demonstrated through publications and conference presentations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teammates, including teaching and learning.

• Experience with one or more methods such as mouse handling, stereotaxic surgery, behavioral testing, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, or in‑vivo neural recordings.
• Demonstrated creativity and flexibility in experimental design or new methods.

This is a primarily sedentary position involving extensive use of desktop computers. Occasional travel to attend meetings may be required.

The position will remain open until filled. It is an exempt‑level, benefitted position. The appointment is restricted and dependent on project need, performance, and funding availability.

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