Research Scientist- UVA Kulkarni Laboratory

Overview

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.

• Lead experimental design and execution of projects focused on microtubule organization and ciliogenesis in MCCs.
• Apply loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches across Xenopus, mouse, and mammalian epithelial and cancer cell systems.
• Investigate mechanistic aspects of microtubule-basal body interactions, microtubule binding/bundling activities, and downstream cellular consequences.
• Collaborate with laboratories specializing in imaging, mouse genetics, and cilia-related disease models.

Minimum Requirements

Education:

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:
  
  a Ph.D. in biomedical science (e.g., physiology, cell biology, immunology, developmental biology).
• Experience:
  
  in vivo animal experiments (Xenopus) and proficiency in molecular and cell biology techniques, including microinjections, recombinant DNA construction, protein biochemistry, cell culture, transfection, and immunofluorescence microscopy.
• Additional: some experience in basic protein biochemistry, including Western blot analysis, protein expression, and recombinant protein purification.

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The role may require traveling to attend meetings or program-related events.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits. This is a restricted position, dependent on funding and funding availability.

The 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 timeline: review will begin after [DATE].

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. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

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

Reference Check Process: Reference checks will be conducted by UVA's third-party partner Skill Survey 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. UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment applies.