Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center

University of Virginia
School of Medicine

The University of Virginia is widely recognized as one of the top cardiovascular research institutions in the world, and we have an outstanding record of training more than 100’s individuals for highly successful careers in academia, industry, and other biomedical science-related disciplines. We currently have 110 laboratories associated with our world-renowned Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (CVRC) and are involved in a wide range of areas of research in Cardiovascular Science and Medicine, including studies of basic cardiovascular development and function, as well as investigations into the pathogenesis of major cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, aneurysms, hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke.

We sponsor several NIH funded pre and post-doctoral research fellowships annually in the CVRC and we seek students and post-docs, who are looking for a rigorous, innovative training program in the biomedical sciences; students who want to be a part of cutting-edge biomedical research in a rich scientific environment and students who aspire to become leaders in academia, industry, government, and science education.


Graduate Students

Pre-Doctoral applicants are limited to those enrolled into our Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs (BIMS). If you are not currently enrolled in BIMS, then please review the criteria and apply to be considered for the CVRC Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Detailed information about BIMS and the application process can be found at https://med.virginia.edu/bims/

Other opportunities for potential graduate students are available through the Department of Biomedical Engineering PhD programs and the Medical Scientist Training program.


Postdoctoral Positions

Postdoctoral Fellowship
Postdoctoral Fellowships is the title given to postdocs who are funded through sources such as training grants, external foundations, foreign governments, or a different primary employer (e.g. foreign hospital), and who choose to carry out their training and research at the University of Virginia. In many such cases, due to the requirements of the funding source (e.g. NIH training grant) as well as University regulations, fellows cannot be considered U.Va. employees, but they are fully affiliated with the university and the postdoctoral community. Postdoctoral Fellowships require applicants to have a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree by the start date of the fellowship, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills.

We are looking for candidates with a driven focus to develop novel drugs, devices, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic approaches to advance treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Applicants are placed with a matching mentor whose research focus is complimentary and allows the applicant to track into an independent program and publish at an accelerated pace than most other post-doctoral training options. Our 40 mentors come from 26 departments in the School of Medicine and culminate into 5 focus areas – Cardiovascular Imaging; Cardiovascular Regulation; Cell Signaling; CV Genetics, Epigenetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology; and Smooth Muscle-Endothelial Cell Biology

All are committed to training young investigators interested in the study of the heart and vasculature. Detailed information about the CVRC Post-Doctoral fellowship and how to apply can be found at http://training.cvrc.virginia.edu/.

Although outstanding candidates in all areas of biomedical science will be considered, special consideration will be given to individuals with strong experience/expertise or interests in our five focus areas listed above. NHLBI restricts training grant support to permanent residents and citizens of the US.

Postdoctoral Research Associates
Research Associate is the title given to postdocs who are affiliated with the university as employees. In these cases the source of funds does not restrict direct payment/employment from the university. Postdoctoral research associates are part of the University’s Professional Research Staff (PRS). Other categories of the Professional Research Staff include Research Scientists, Senior Scientists, and Principal Scientists.

To see current available Research Associate positions in the CVRC then please go to https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs, select the Professional Research Staff on the left menu. Once on that page you will see a listing of current openings. To filter to the CVRC, search Cardiovascular Research Center or CVRC from the search field. If no positions are listed then we are not currently hiring.


Volunteer Opportunities

Undergraduates
We welcome students from all departments of the University. We prefer students to be in their 2nd year, who are willing to commit at least 10 hours per week and plan to remain in the lab until their graduation. Positions can either be for credit or to gain experience in the field of research.

All other volunteer opportunities for those external to UVa, should review the resident labs and contact the PI of that lab directly to discuss opportunities. Please insure you provide the PI with a detailed description of your research interests and a copy of your CV/Resume.


Laboratory Staff

To see current available open positions in the CVRC then please go to https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs. Once on that page you will see a listing of current openings. To filter to the CVRC, search Cardiovascular Research Center or CVRC from the search field. If no positions are listed then we are not currently hiring.