Research Scientist- UVA Kulkarni Laboratory

The Kulkarni Laboratory in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Virginia seeks a highly motivated Research Scientist to drive a funded research program focused on microtubule organization and dynamics in multiciliated epithelial cells (MCCs). This project aims to define how specialized microtubule networks regulate basal body migration, docking, centriole amplification, and ciliogenesis, and how dysregulation of these processes leads to impaired mucociliary function and epithelial disease.

The work will integrate loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches across multiple experimental systems, including Xenopus embryos, mouse models, and mammalian epithelial and cancer cell lines. A major emphasis will be on mechanistic dissection of microtubule-basal body interactions, microtubule binding and bundling activities, and downstream cellular consequences, including aberrant centriole behavior, nuclear defects, and altered cell architecture. The Research Scientist will play a central role in experimental design and execution, and in data interpretation, and will have opportunities to collaborate with other UVA laboratories with expertise in advanced imaging, mouse genetics, and cilia-related disease models.

Applicants should have strong experience in cell and developmental biology, including recombinant DNA techniques, mammalian cell culture, transfection, immunofluorescence microscopy, and basic protein biochemistry. Expertise in live-cell imaging, quantitative image analysis, electron microscopy, or microtubule biology is highly desirable, as is familiarity with statistical analysis of biological data. This position offers the opportunity to lead a conceptually rigorous, mechanistically deep research program at the intersection of cytoskeletal biology, multiciliated cell development, and disease, within a highly collaborative, well-resourced environment.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Requires a doctoral degree or master's degree with significant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: a Ph.D. degree in biomedical science, in a field such as physiology, cell biology, immunology, or developmental biology.

Experience: Skills in conducting in vivo animal experiments in Xenopus. Proficiency in molecular and cell biology techniques, including microinjections, recombinant DNA construction, protein biochemistry, cell culture, transfection, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Some experience in basic protein biochemistry is preferred, including Western blot analysis, protein expression, and recombinant protein purification.

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.

Salary Range: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Exemption Status: This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

Funding Details: This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

Work Arrangement: 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 [DATE].

Background Check: Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

How to Apply: Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0080255. Complete an application with the following documents:

• CV

• The names and contact information for three references

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 theUVA Internal Careers website.

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.

Department Contact: For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Saurabh Kulkarni.

Recruiter Contact: For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks.

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.