Postdoctoral Research Associate - Pharmacology

The Department of Pharmacology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead projects investigating the role of lipid oxidation products in chronic inflammatory diseases in the laboratory of Dr. Norbert Leitinger.

The Leitinger Laboratory studies the regulation of immune cell-mediated inflammatory and metabolic responses in infectious and chronic progressive diseases, including atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. The group focuses on how tissue damage translates into chronic inflammation and fibrosis, and how oxidized phospholipids and other danger signals, such as ATP or heme, contribute to these processes. Using mass spectrometry and metabolomics, the lab identifies and characterizes novel danger-associated molecules that serve as biomarkers of disease progression. The ultimate goal is to uncover mechanisms driving chronic disease pathologies and to develop therapeutic strategies that halt fibrosis or promote resolution of inflammation.

The lab has made key contributions to the field, including the identification of oxidized phospholipids as immune regulators and characterization of the redox-regulatory macrophage phenotype “Mox” (Kadl et al., Circulation Research , 2010). Recent work includes gene-therapy-based strategies targeting oxidized phospholipids to prevent chronic inflammatory tissue damage ( Science Advances , 2022, PMID: 35857497), and the discovery of Acetyl CoA Carboxylase (ACC) as a central enzyme linking lipid metabolism and macrophage inflammation ( Science Advances , 2022, PMID: 36417534).

Responsibilities

• Lead independent projects exploring lipid metabolism and inflammation-driven metabolic responses in murine models.
• Employ bioenergetic analysis, metabolomics, and lipidomics to elucidate regulatory mechanisms.
• Develop and establish isotope tracing and metabolomic methods using mass spectrometry.
• Collaborate with laboratory members and guide PhD and undergraduate trainees.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and grant proposals to support research initiatives.

Funding through existing NIH training grants may be available (competitive). The pursuit of additional extramural funding is encouraged. More information about the Leitinger Laboratory can be found at leitingerlab.com .

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree required, preferably a PhD in biological or chemical sciences, awarded within the past five years.
• Preferably 3+ years of productive graduate research experience.
• Preferred background in one or more of the following:
  • Mass spectrometry (lipidomics, metabolomics)
  • Cardiovascular biology
  • Immunology
  • Metabolism
  • Animal models
  • Cell biology
  • Lipid biochemistry

Postdoctoral employment is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a doctoral degree within the previous five years. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal ( for an additional two, one-year increments) contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Learn more about UVA benefits .

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site. To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .

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 R0077932. 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 checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. For questions about the application process, please contact Jeremy Brofft, Senior Recruiter at xmf9ad@virginia.edu .

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.