Research Associate

The Spencer lab in the UVA School of Medicine is seeking Postdoctoral Research Associates. The Spencer lab ( ) is part of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology.

The Spencer laboratory is focused on molecular mechanisms of Type VII secretion in Group B Streptococcus and the impact of effector secretion on the microbiota as well as host barriers and immune responses. These projects involve aspects of bacteriology, immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry and are based on strong preliminary data. The successful applicant will be part of a multidisciplinary team assembled to investigate the consequence of the GBS T7SS on bacteremia/meningitis as well as on colonization of the female genital tract and neonatal gastrointestinal tract using cellular and animal models of colonization and disease. These positions would be ideal for anyone with an interest in bacterial pathogenesis and/or host-pathogen interactions. The ideal candidates will have a PhD with experience in relevant areas of biology, first-author publication(s), experience or willingness to utilize cell culture and animal models of infection and colonization, as well as the ability to work well in a highly interactive, creative, and collaborative environment.

Postdoctoral employment is temporary and is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous five years and who will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at the University.

Please include a cover letter summarizing your past experience, research interests and career goals, in addition to your CV and contact details for at least three letters of recommendation.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

Duties Include:

• Full-time research or scholarship at the University.
• 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 laboratory duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Doctoral degree.
• Strong background in bacterial pathogenesis, host barriers, immunology, or cellular or molecular biology.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Willingness to mentor junior members of the laboratory
• Willingness to apply for independent funding

How to Apply

Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0085083 Research Associate (Open). Complete an application with the following documents:

• CV (required)
• Cover letter (required)
• Academic transcripts (optional)
• Names of 3 references (required)

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.


Position Compensation Range: $47,500.00 - $89,300.00 Annual

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 .