Research Associate in Biology

The Fins and Limbs Lab at the University of Virginia is seeking a broadly trained and reliable postdoctoral research associate to lead interdisciplinary research on the functional morphology and comparative biomechanics of fishes and salamanders under the supervision of Dr. Sandy Kawano. The candidate will lead projects and train students on a collaborative research grant awarded by the Keck Foundation on "Integrating 3D technology, engineering, and biology to provide new insights into the evolutionary transition from water to land in vertebrates", with the goal of disentangling the roles of environment (aquatic, amphibious, terrestrial) and morphology (fin vs. limb) in governing the ability of bones to adapt to the physical demands of locomotion.

The postdoctoral research associate will work with a collaborative team to examine the relationship between the structure and function of tissues (e.g., bones) and whole-organism performance (e.g., locomotion) by integrating techniques from functional morphology, comparative biomechanics, materials science and engineering, and evolutionary biology. Specifically, the postdoctoral research associate will collect kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data to compare patterns of bone loading in fish fins during walking-like behaviors and then apply similar loads to dissected bones on a universal testing machine to quantify their mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness). Consequently, the postdoctoral associate should have prior experience with collecting kinematic data from live vertebrate animals in laboratory conditions and working with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Additional experience with 3D kinetics, DeepLabCut, geometric morphometrics, electromyography, and/or mechanical testing is desirable but not required. A record of publishing relevant work in peer-reviewed journals and communicating the results at national and international conferences is strongly recommended. Candidates with a genuine passion for mentoring and interest in mentoring undergraduates through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at Mountain Lake Biological Station (https://mlbs.virginia.edu/reuprogram), are particularly encouraged to apply.

This is a full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package that is based in the Department of Biology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. It will initially be a one-year term but may be extended to a second year contingent upon completion of satisfactory progress and available funding. Funding is available to present at professional conferences. The University of Virginia has a Postdoctoral Affairs program (https://postdoc.virginia.edu/) to build community among postdocs and advance their professional development.

The official start date is tentatively August 1, 2026, but negotiable. Questions about the job position may be directed to Dr. Sandy Kawano at sandyk@virginia.edu.

Job Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Lead the design and execution of laboratory experiments/analyses directly related to the position.
• Write and submit manuscripts from the grant to peer-reviewed journals.
• Disseminate results derived directly from the grant through presentations at professional conferences.
• Mentor and train undergraduate research assistants.
• Assist in maintaining the animal care facility and supervising research assistants
• Process and analyze micro-CT scans.
• Develop computer code (e.g., R, LabVIEW) as needed for research projects.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of data and metadata.
• Assist the supervisor in preparing, editing, and executing standard operating procedures for common laboratory techniques.
• Other related duties may also be assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in biology, engineering, zoology, or a related field must be conferred before the official start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Conceptual and procedural knowledge in functional morphology, comparative biomechanics, animal behavior, ichthyology, zoology, paleontology, and/or materials science and engineering.
• Expertise in the care and use of fishes and/or amphibians in research environments.
• Experience with mentoring students.
• Demonstrated record of publishing research relevant to the position in high-quality peer-reviewed research journals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in working independently and as a member of a collaborative team.
• Experience in writing and/or carrying out protocols approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
• Intermediate or advanced experience with computer programming (particularly R, Python, and/or LabVIEW).
• Experience in other skills aligned with the grant research, such as DICECT, (micro-)CT segmentation software, muscle physiology, etc.

Physical Demands

This position requires spending time standing and sitting while conducting experiments or caring for animals, and fine motor control while working with sensitive electronics and conducting anatomical dissections of animal carcasses. The candidate will work in dry and wet labs and will be required to follow regulations that are compliant with both work environments.

Flexible work schedule with availability on weekends

Application Timeline

Review of applications will begin on June 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0083232. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter summarizing your reason for applying, how this position aligns with your career goals, and your mentoring philosophy and experiences. If you have not mentored students yet, describe your mentoring philosophy.
• One-page statement of your research interests and experiences
• Contact information for three professional references

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

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

For information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and 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. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.