Research Scientist, The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center

The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center was established to expand basic, translational, and clinical research of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, aneurysms, and vascular auto-immune diseases are the most common cause of death and disability in the United States, and account for approximately 30% of deaths and health care costs annually in this country and developed societies.

The mission of the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center is to support interdisciplinary research in basic, translational and clinical cardiovascular sciences, including cardiovascular development, function, pathophysiology, pharmacology, genetics, genomics, and proteomics, and to apply this knowledge to better understand the causes of cardiovascular diseases and to pioneer development of new innovative therapies and approaches to prevent or treat them

Position Summary

The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (CVRC) is currently seeking a Research Scientist to conduct research on vascular mechanisms for increase in blood pressure in obesity, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases within the Sonkusare Laboratory. The Sonkusare Laboratory employs state-of-the-art calcium imaging, super resolution imaging, patch-clamp electrophysiology, pressure myography, radio telemetric blood pressure measurements, and cell-specific knockout mouse models. The overarching goal of the laboratory is to discover novel strategies for rescuing vascular dysfunction in cardiovascular disorders. For further details on research in the Sonkusare lab, please visit: https://www.cvrc.virginia.edu/Sonkusare/index.html.

The incumbent will participate in a multiplicity of relevant lab projects and in writing study reports for the study sponsors, papers, and grant applications and is expected to develop research programs as time permits. The incumbent will also be expected to attend and participate in laboratory meetings and CVRC-related seminars, as well as work with graduate students, technicians, fellows and collaborators in the laboratories involved in the project.

Responsibilities

• Full-time research or scholarship at the University.

• Preparatory for a full-time academic or research career.

• 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 duties may be assigned.

The candidate should be highly motivated to develop new research avenues; and should have excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience in vascular physiology, calcium imaging, ion channels, and cardiovascular disorders is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Research Scientist positions are for candidates who have obtained their PhD and have five or more years of direct and related experience in the research areas listed above with a strong background in cardiovascular physiology.

• Preference will be given to candidates with a 10+ year's background specifically in molecular biology, microvascular physiology, and ion channel studies, with relevant 1st and co-author publications.

• The candidate should be highly motivated to develop new research avenues and should have excellent written and oral communication skills.

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-level, 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 July 17, 2025.

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 R0074042. 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 questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, jf2sw@virginia.edu.