The Department of Surgery at the University of Virginia School of Medicine seeks a part-time Research Scientist to work in the lab of Dr. Jianjie Ma.  The Research Scientist will conduct research on cell and molecular physiology, surgical biomedical research, and therapeutic development. Dr. Jianjie Ma’s laboratory conducts research on aging biology, cardiovascular disease, regenerative medicine, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer research. The laboratory also performs translational research by developing potential protein therapeutics to treat acute tissue injuries, wound healing, and aging-related diseases.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent research under the guidance of a scientific mentor within the Department of Surgery
• Serve as collaborator, and supervisor of postdoctoral, medical and graduate students, residents, and laboratory technicians within the lab
• Develop and test hypotheses
• Plan, design, and execute advanced research experiments
• Develop and implement new research techniques and methodologies in the laboratory in compliance with federal and institutional laboratory and safety regulations
• Conduct significant statistical analysis, evaluation and interpretation of raw data
• Assist in writing grants for research funding; plan and write manuscripts, articles, abstracts and research reports for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise in protein biochemistry, molecular cloning, antibody engineering and production, and mouse models

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 will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits available, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits. This is a part-time position at 20 hours per week.

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

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

Application review will begin after February 6, 2026.

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 R0077881. 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: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. 

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. 

For questions about the position, please contact Jianjie Ma at [email protected].

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, [email protected].

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.