Postgraduate Associate for Clinical Research in the Dr. Testani Lab
Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University
August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026 (Available for 1–2 years)
Jeffrey.testani@yale.edu / veena.s.rao@yale.edu
Jeffrey Testani, MD, MTR < Yale School of Medicine
Cardiology (Heart Failure): Postgraduate associate training positions in laboratory and clinical research available for 1–2 years.
The Testani Lab is a dynamic translational research group focused on advancing cardiovascular science through innovative experimental approaches and technologies. The lab offers a unique opportunity to engage in high-impact research, including hands-on participation in large animal (pig) experiments, and exposure to cutting-edge instrumentation and high-throughput processing techniques.
Research staff in the lab are involved in a broad range of activities such as setting up, performing, and troubleshooting experiments, collecting and processing biospecimens, and operating advanced instruments. Team members also contribute to the preparation of presentations, abstracts, and manuscripts, and have opportunities to present findings at research meetings. The lab fosters a collaborative environment that supports learning, scientific contribution, and professional growth.
Overview of Position:
The Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Cardiology) has openings for full-time Postgraduate Research Associates. This position includes include both wet laboratory work and large animal experiments. This is a full-time, paid position with insurance benefits and is available for start in August 2025.
The ideal candidates should have the ability to follow oral directions, interpret written protocols precisely, effectively manage time and meet deadlines, and be reliable and accountable. Skills in basic computer applications such as Microsoft Office and Excel are required.
Qualifications include successful completion of a pre-med curriculum and/or BA/BS in the life sciences. Prior experience in a research lab/animal handling is preferred but not required.
Postgraduate appointments are one-year appointments with the possibility of a one-year renewal for a limit of 2 years.
Education:
This position offers a robust training and mentoring experience that closely aligns with the academic and professional development goals of students and recent graduates pursuing careers in biomedical sciences, medicine, or related fields. Through hands-on participation in translational research—including large animal models, advanced instrumentation, and high-throughput processing—the role provides direct exposure to experimental design, data analysis, and the scientific method in a real-world research environment.
The associate will gain experience in critical areas such as biospecimen handling, experimental troubleshooting, scientific writing, and presentation skills—key competencies that support graduate-level education and future clinical or research careers. Regular mentorship from Dr. Testani and close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, nurses, and statisticians further enriches the learning environment and provides individualized career development.
Ultimately, this position is designed not only to deepen scientific knowledge and technical expertise but also to foster the professional growth necessary to transition successfully into graduate programs, medical school, or long-term research roles.
Training:
The position involves participation in several aspects of research including performing large animal (pig) experiments and an opportunity to learn and work with the state-of-the-art instrumentation, high throughput processing and novel technologies/processes of a translational research program. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: setup, performance, reporting, and troubleshooting experiments, including large animal experiments, biospecimen collection and processing, operation of instruments, developing presentations, contributing to the authorship of abstracts and manuscripts, and presenting at research meetings.
Mentoring:
Our research team is composed of a great group of, research associates, nurses, research scientist, statistician under Principal Investigator Jeffrey Testani, MD, MTR. The associate will work closely with the research scientist and PI. The associate will meet with Dr. Testani on a weekly basis to discuss project progress. In addition, the candidate will be given career development opportunities (e.g. scientific writing and public speaking skills) that are individually tailored to their long-term career goals. The goal is to create an experience that is rewarding and engaging for the successful applicant and to foster scientific, professional, and/or educational advancement.
Qualifications:
Successful completion of a pre-med curriculum and/or BA/BS in the life sciences. Prior experience in a research lab/animal handling is preferred but not required.
Process to Apply:
Interested applicants should send a resume with cover letter to Veena Rao, PhD (veena.s.rao@yale.edu.).
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.