Research Associate - Jiang Lab

Are you passionate about unraveling the mysteries of the human brain? Do you have a strong desire to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of neurodegenerative diseases? Look no further! The Lulu Jiang Lab at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a talented individual to join our dynamic research team as Postdoctoral Research Associates.


The Lulu Jiang Lab is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the intricate workings of the brain. At our lab, we have a strong emphasis on comprehending the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and other related dementia disorders. Our primary objective is to deepen our understanding of these disease conditions. To achieve this, we employ cutting-edge technologies in disease modeling, allowing us to recreate and study the pathological processes in a controlled environment. By utilizing these advanced techniques, we gain insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms that underlie the progression of these diseases. Moreover, our lab is dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. We strive to translate our research findings into practical applications that could potentially lead to the discovery of novel treatments. By integrating our knowledge of disease mechanisms with targeted therapeutic approaches, we aim to make significant contributions to the field of neurodegenerative disease research. Overall, our lab is committed to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases through the utilization of state-of-the-art technologies and the exploration of molecular mechanisms.


Our research focuses on several key areas that drive our scientific interests and contribute to the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.


These areas include:

• Investigation of RNA modifications and epitranscriptomic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. By studying how RNA modifications impact disease progression, we aim to uncover novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers.

• Exploration of neuron-glia interactions and neuroimmunological mechanisms underlying the progression of AD and Parkinson's disease (PD). Understanding the complex interplay between neurons and glial cells will provide crucial insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.

• Utilization of iPSC-induced 3D human brain organoid models to study neurodegenerative diseases and enable precision medicine approaches. These advanced models allow us to recapitulate the complexity of the human brain, facilitating the identification of disease mechanisms and the development of personalized treatment strategies.

• Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms driving prion-like propagation in the Braak stages of AD. Investigating the spread of pathological proteins in the brain will contribute to our understanding of disease progression and may lead to the development of interventions that disrupt this process.

• Development of innovative genetic and small molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. Our research aims to identify and optimize potential therapeutic targets, including genetic approaches and small molecules, with the goal of ultimately translating these findings into effective treatments for patients.

These research directions represent our current focus and ongoing projects, which collectively contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the development of new strategies for the management and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.


With state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative environment, we strive to foster creativity, innovation, and scientific excellence.


Responsibilities

• Conducting experiments and data analysis related to ongoing research projects.

• Contributing to the development and implementation of research protocols.

• Collaborating with fellow researchers and scientists within and outside the lab.

• Presenting research findings at conferences and publishing in scientific journals.

• Assisting in the training and mentorship of junior lab members.

Our research focuses on several key areas that drive our scientific interests and contribute to the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.


These areas include:

• Investigation of RNA modifications and epitranscriptomic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. By studying how RNA modifications impact disease progression, we aim to uncover novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers.

• Exploration of neuron-glia interactions and neuroimmunological mechanisms underlying the progression of AD and Parkinson's disease (PD). Understanding the complex interplay between neurons and glial cells will provide crucial insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.

• Utilization of iPSC-induced 3D human brain organoid models to study neurodegenerative diseases and enable precision medicine approaches. These advanced models allow us to recapitulate the complexity of the human brain, facilitating the identification of disease mechanisms and the development of personalized treatment strategies.

• Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms driving prion-like propagation in the Braak stages of AD. Investigating the spread of pathological proteins in the brain will contribute to our understanding of disease progression and may lead to the development of interventions that disrupt this process.

• Development of innovative genetic and small molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. Our research aims to identify and optimize potential therapeutic targets, including genetic approaches and small molecules, with the goal of ultimately translating these findings into effective treatments for patients.

These research directions represent our current focus and ongoing projects, which collectively contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the development of new strategies for the management and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.


With state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative environment, we strive to foster creativity, innovation, and scientific excellence.


For more information about our department and our lab, please visit or contact Lulu Jiang at View email address on click.appcast.io .


Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, or a related .

• Strong background in neuroscience research techniques and methodologies.

• Experience with data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R).

• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and experience:

• Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, or a related .

• Strong background in neuroscience research techniques and methodologies.

• Experience with data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R).

• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Note: Research Associate positions are for candidates who have obtained their PhD within the past 3 years. Candidates who have received or will receive their terminal degree after May 2023 are eligible to apply.


Physical Demands


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.


Position Type & Work Location

• This is an exempt-leve l, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .

• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

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

About UVA and the Community


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


Application Timeline


Application review will begin after June 22 , 2026


Additional Requirements

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

How to Apply


Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0084322 . Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

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: Apply through your Workday profile by searching "Find Jobs."


Reference Check Process


Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required .


Contact

• For more information about our department and our lab, please visit or contact Lulu Jiang at View email address on click.appcast.io .

• For q uestions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, View email address on click.appcast.io .

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 .