Lab & Research Technician or Lab Specialist in Bioanalytical Chemistry and Immunology

The Pompano Laboratory at the University of Virginia invites applications for a Laboratory Technician or Laboratory Specialist to join our team. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn new skills while contributing to multiple grant-funded projects, including development of analysis methods for cells in living tissues, and building of artificial lymph node tissues from human cells. We anticipate training the right candidate in most of these areas; prior experience in all or even most of them is not expected.

In this role, the Technician/Specialist will be expected to learn a variety of lab skills and help perform and analyze experiments according to provided protocols, keeping detailed scientific records, and operating with some independence as noted below. Experiments may be biochemical, biological, and/or technology-related, including working with lymph node tissues from humans and mouse models, tissue culture, biochemical procedures such as immunoassays, fluorescence microscopy and imaging, 3D printing, and fabrication of microfluidic and organ-on-chip devices. The Technician/Specialist will work closely with other lab members and collaborators to plan and carry out experiments, analyze data, write it up, and discuss it at lab meetings. Participation in lab meetings is expected.

In addition to experiments, the technician will carry out administrative and logistical tasks necessary to maintain lab operations, including: help maintain a safe and clean laboratory environment, help coordinate proper waste disposal, help uptake and maintain biohazard protocols and animal care and use protocols, place routine orders for lab supplies, laboratory communications, and other laboratory administration activities. Training will be provided as needed to enable success on these tasks. Approximately 5% effort will be committed to assisting the professor with non-laboratory administrative tasks, including assisting with calendar management, travel bookings and reimbursement, and communications.

This position has the potential both for significant biomedical impact and a superb training opportunity for the right candidate. If desired, more independent contributions may result in an opportunity to present the findings at local or national conferences, and to contribute to manuscripts for publication. In addition to the research in the Pompano lab, most projects feature opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in the Schools of Medicine and Engineering.

ABOUT US : The Pompano Lab performs cutting-edge research at the intersection of bioanalytical chemistry, bioengineering, and immunology. Our laboratory is collegial, collaborative, supportive, and driven to make an impact with our science. We value diverse perspectives and actively promote an inclusive environment. We are particularly interested in building novel tools to study the intricate cellular and molecular organization of an immune organ called the lymph node. Learn more at www.pompanolab.com .

The historic University of Virginia is consistently ranked one of the top 3 public universities in the country by US News and World Report, with a vibrant research enterprise that support cross-disciplinary scholarship. We are located in beautiful Charlottesville, VA, near the Blue Ridge mountains, with a strong cultural and restaurant scene and college town energy. Travel to Washington, DC in just two hours, or the Atlantic Ocean in three.

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS . Applicants should note in their cover letter which position they consider themselves eligible for.

• Lab and Research Technician: Lab and Research Technician 2 employees provide increasingly complex technical support for projects and may engage in increasingly complex scientific experiments over time. May handle sophisticated administrative and logistical tasks. Lab and Research Technician 2 employees operate under supervision for complex daily tasks, and with independence when following set protocols and procedures. Starting salary range: $37,000 - $42,000. Minimum requirements: Associate’s degree and at least 2 years of lab experience, which may include student experience. Bachelor's degree in related science will be considered in lieu of experience.

• Lab Specialist: Lab Specialist employees provide technical lab support by performing complex lab and research related tasks. They act as specialists on research methods and equipment functions specific to investigations. They have the authority to adapt methods and procedures to meet the needs of research. They are distinguished from Lab Technicians by the types and duration of assignments, as well as the skills and expertise necessary to serve as resources on non-routine problems. Lab Specialist employees perform daily activities without supervision; greater oversight is provided for longer-term assignments. Lab Specialist employees often train others on work processes and policies. Starting salary range: $41,000 - $46,000. Minimum requirements: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or Biomedical Engineering) and at least 3 years of related experience, which may include student experience. 6 years of related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Required characteristics:

• Experience performing detail-oriented procedures and juggling multiple tasks, including in former employment of any type
• Good time management skills
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Familiar with computers, basic word processing, and spreadsheet software.
• Eagerness to work in an interdisciplinary environment that embraces change, risk, and flexibility; resourcefulness to problem solve (especially for Lab Specialist level)

The following prior experience is a plus (not required):

• Prior laboratory experience in any one of the project areas, e.g. in bioanalytical chemistry, cell or tissue culture, fluorescence imaging, 3D printing, or other microfabrication (especially for Specialist level)
• Fundamental understanding of biochemistry or immunology, e.g. from coursework (especially for Specialist level)

Preference will be given to candidates who can commit to two years of employment, contingent on satisfactory performance. Longer term positions may be available depending on the candidate’s career goals and availability of future funding.

The Selected candidate will have to successfully complete a background check prior to employment per University policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and sitting while conducting experiments. Also requires keyboarding, pipetting, and other bench work requiring finer finger manipulation.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To apply,

To apply, go to https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs/job/Charlottesville-VA/Lab---Research-Technician-or-Lab-Specialist-in-Bioanalytical-Chemistry-and-Immunology_R0059893 and complete an application. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs’ and search for R0059893. Complete an application online with the following documents as a single combined PDF.

• A cover letter that explains why you are interested in this position in Pompano lab, how the position fits into your career goals, and a brief summary of your relevant research or laboratory experience (max. 2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae with contact information for three (3) references. Listing references represents permission to contact them unless you specify otherwise in your cover letter.

***Please note that you MUST upload ALL documents into the CV/Resume box. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on April 28, 2024 and the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Prof. Rebecca Pompano, Ph.D., at PompanoGroup@virginia.edu .

For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu .

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Associate's degree

Experience:At least 2 years of lab experience which may include student experience.Bachelor's degree in related science will be considered in lieu of experience.

Licensure: None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments or caring for animals. Also requires keyboarding and other bench work and animal procedures requiring finer finger manipulation.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.