Lab Specialist

Dr. Tsai-Yi Lu’s laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is seeking an enthusiastic and responsible part time Lab Specialist to support research projects studying the homeostasis of oligodendrocyte lineage cells in brain health and disease. The primary responsibilities of this position include assisting lab mouse colony maintenance and performing experiments to explore the roles of oligodendrocyte lineage cells in neurodegenerative disease. The candidate is expected to have experience in basic molecular biology bench skills, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Experience with mouse husbandry is preferred but not required . The candidate will have the opportunity to lead independent research projects and publish research articles in peer-reviewed journals. The anticipated start date for this role is September 1, 2026.

Position Summary

Individual contributors who provide support to an organization, often in direct service, operational, technical or administrative functions. Spends the majority of time in the delivery of support services or activities, typically under supervision. Opportunities for progression outside this career stream are typically limited without additional education or significant training and experience.

Responsibilities

Seasoned individual contributor . Works under limited supervision for routine situations. Provides assistance and training to lower-level employees. Problems are typically non-routine and require analysis to be understood . Makes minor adjustments to working methods and independently develops solutions to problems. Explains practices, procedures and policies to reach agreement with others outside of the Job Area.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required , may accept combination of experience/education/certification in lieu of degree.
  

• Experience: 1+ year of relevant lab experience required .
  

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.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is a part-time, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .
  

• This position has a term limit of 1 year after which continued employment will depend on department need and funding.
  

• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
  

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after March 9 , 2026 .

Additional Requirements

• Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
  

How to Apply

Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R00 81016 .

Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .

Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
  

• Cover Letter
  

Upload all materials into the resume submission field . You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF . Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested , with at least three responses required .

Contact

• For q uestions about the application process, please contact Jessica Speth , js9rk@virginia.edu.
  

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 .