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Microglia Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Microglia Research information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Microglia Research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Microglia Research, you need a strong background in neuroscience, cellular/molecular biology, and experimental design, typically with a PhD or relevant advanced degree. Familiarity with technical tools such as immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, imaging techniques (e.g., confocal microscopy), and data analysis software (e.g., ImageJ, GraphPad Prism) is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and collaborative communication skills are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure rigorous experimental work, insightful data interpretation, and effective teamwork in advancing understanding of microglial function and pathology.

What are some typical challenges faced when conducting microglia research in a laboratory setting?

One common challenge in microglia research is maintaining the viability and purity of microglial cultures, as these cells are highly sensitive and can be easily activated by external stimuli. Researchers often need to troubleshoot protocols frequently and adjust to variability in cell responses. Additionally, distinguishing microglia from other glial cells in mixed cultures or tissue samples can require advanced techniques such as flow cytometry or immunostaining. Collaboration with neuroscientists, immunologists, and bioinformaticians is also essential to interpret complex data and advance projects efficiently.

What is microglia research?

Microglia research is the scientific study of microglia, which are specialized immune cells found in the central nervous system. Researchers in this field investigate how microglia function in both healthy and diseased brains, including their roles in neuroinflammation, brain development, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The aim is to better understand how microglia contribute to brain health and to identify potential therapeutic targets for neurological conditions.
What are popular job titles related to Microglia Research jobs in Virginia? For Microglia Research jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Research Associate, Brandebura Lab

Research Associate, Brandebura Lab

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate to join Dr. Brandebura's Lab to support our NIH funded research program investigating astrocyte dysfunction in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. Specifically, we will be focusing on:
1.) Defining molecular changes that occur within reactive astrocytes in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease,
2.) Targeting astrocytes to improve neuronal synaptic dysfunction,
3.) Understanding reactive astrocyte-microglia and astrocyte-vascular crosstalk in disorders of the nervous system.
Required skills include animal handling, experience in confocal imaging and immunohistochemistry, and experience in wet lab techniques such as western blotting, RNA extraction, and molecular cloning. Desired skills include experience with proteomics and familiarity with bioinformatic analysis pipelines, as well as exposure to iPSC differentiation into neuronal and glial cells.
Postdoctoral employment is temporary and is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous five years1 and who will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at the University. Employment as a Postdoctoral Research Associate is viewed as training and is preparatory for a full-time academic or research career, is supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the training period.
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.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Education: Doctoral degree

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 .
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 R0078494.
Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .
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.
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.

Job Profile
J0267 - Research Associate - 12 Month
Career Stream and Level
No Career Stream-No Level
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 .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

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Company size

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Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819