Postdoctoral Research Associate, Radiology

The Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging at the University of Virginia (UVA) within the School of Medicine (SOM) seeks applications for a Research Associate in the SALT Lab. The SALT Lab studies Sodium, Adipose, and Lymphatic Translational sciences in lymphedema and lipedema. We are seeking applicants whose research focuses on lipedema and lymphedema clinical trials using translational methods. Translational research methods being developed and applied in the SALT lab include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, bedside measurement devices like bioimpedance spectroscopy, and biorepository science.

The Research Associate will work within a dynamic team of lab members, collaborators, Core facilities experts, and research administration to carry out ongoing research, and develop an independent research study.

Ongoing research includes a program funded by the NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, “Visualizing Sodium in Lymphatic Disease: A Translational Path” (1R35HL
184172-01). The goal of this program is to study the progression of leg lymphedema, develop the SALT MRI exam for the upper body to image breast cancer-related lymphedema, and explore biological features of lipedema that may improve objective diagnosis. The program will test fundamental hypotheses using data collected from MRI and related in vivo data and coordinated biological samples in well-characterized participants with and without lymphatic disease.

On these studies, the Research Associate will specifically recruit and screen participants from UVA clinics and nationally with and without lipedema and lymphedema, assist in coordinating research visits, develop and perform non-MRI bedside procedures for data collection and experimentation, and support the MRI exam. After study visits, they will support data quality control, perform data analysis, and author and co-author scientific research abstracts and manuscripts for peer-review.

The Research Associate will engage in similar activities which support research studies that develop across the lab. Research work will be conducted with independent judgement, while reporting outcomes to the PI regularly.

Education:

Doctoral degree.

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.

Postdoctoral employment is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a doctoral degree within the previous five years. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal (for an additional two, one-year increments) contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

The Research Associate will develop independent research in the field of lymphatic translational sciences. They will seek novel avenues of investigation about emerging clinical applications or research technology, and test scientific hypotheses through experimentation. They will perform the regulatory and ethics requirements of such studies with assistance. They will execute study designs using available resources, and pursue necessary grant funding opportunities.

Evidence of independence will include first-author publication and submission of grant applications which expand research potential of their career.

A Research Associate is expected to learn and develop skills that support their career development. They will have opportunity to engage in the excellent training environment of University of Virginia School of Medicine with access to 12 schools on Grounds, attend national and international conferences, and seek advancement opportunities that are aligned with their career development goals.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits. This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

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.