Research Scientist in Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry is seeking qualified candidates for a Research Scientist position to work in the lab of Professor Marcos Pires.

The Research Scientist will design and synthesize small molecules, peptides, and express proteins that label live bacterial cells, with primary focus on understanding immune recognition mechanisms. The position emphasizes the intersection of bacterial cell wall biology and host immune responses, particularly involving MHC/HLA antigen presentation pathways and post-translational modifications.

This research will investigate the mechanisms of compound uptake and retention to enhance the efficacy of antibiotics against drug-resistant strains. In this role, the researcher will actively contribute to groundbreaking research projects, developing and applying novel methodologies to create new classes of therapeutic agents. The researcher will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of microbiologists, pharmacologists, and computational scientists to synergize efforts in understanding bacterial resistance and optimizing molecular properties for better drug delivery.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Immunological Analysis: Characterize MHC Class I and Class II antigen presentation pathways, including peptide processing and presentation of bacterial antigens
• Peptide Synthesis: Perform solution-phase and solid-phase peptide synthesis to generate immunogenic peptides and hapten-conjugated probes
• Proteomics: Utilize mass spectrometry-based approaches to identify post-translational modifications of bacterial cell wall components influencing immune recognition
• Protein Expression and Bioconjugation: Express and purify bacterial proteins and perform bioconjugation strategies for immune system targeting
• Cell Culture and Immunoassays: Maintain primary immune cell cultures and perform functional immunological assays including cytokine analysis and antigen presentation studies
• Flow Cytometry: Perform multi-parameter analysis to assess immune cell activation and bacterial recognition mechanisms
• Bacterial Assay Development: Design assays to evaluate immune recognition of modified bacterial surfaces and assess therapeutic potential
• Research Impact: The Research Scientist will publish findings in high-impact journals focusing on immunology, microbiology, and chemical biology, and will be co-inventors on patents related to immune-recruiting bacterial targeting strategies.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENRT:

Requires a Ph.D. or a Master's degree with significant experience in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field is required by the start date.

Additional qualifications are:

• Publication Record: Several publications as first or corresponding author in high-impact journals in immunology, microbiology, chemical biology, or related fields.
• Research Independence: Evidence of leading independent research projects.
• Immunology Expertise: Extensive experience in MHC/HLA biology, antigen processing, and T cell activation mechanisms.
• Post-Translational Modification Analysis: Proven track record characterizing protein modifications using mass spectrometry.
• Peptide Chemistry: Demonstrated proficiency in peptide synthesis, modification, and immunogenicity assessment.
• Cell Culture: Experience with primary immune cell isolation, culture, and functional assays.
• Proteomics: Hands-on experience with quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics analysis.

Salary and benefits offered will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidates.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and search for R0075542. Attach a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on September 6, 2025, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Professor Marcos Pires, Professor, at mp7aa@virginia.edu .

For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu .

For more information on the benefits available to Research Scientists at UVA, visit https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits

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.