Lab Specialist

The Department of Pathology at the University of Virginia is seeking a Lab Specialist to join the lab of Dr. Mani Mahadevan. The Mahadevan lab uses mouse models to study RNA toxicity and its role in myotonic muscular dystrophy disease pathogenesis, with a hope to find a treatment for this neuromuscular disease. The lab specialist will work closely with the PI and other lab members as well as independently to complete experiments. Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience in working with mice, PCR genotyping, protein isolation and immunoblotting, tissue sectioning, tissue staining and immunohistochemistry.

This position can require 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 qualified candidate will have excellent work ethic, strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. The incumbent should also be self-motivated, meticulous, and possess strong attention to detail.

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; their longer-term assignments require greater oversight. Lab Specialist employees often train others on work processes and policies.

Job Responsibilities Include:

• Experimental Work
  
• Maintain transgenic mouse colony (genotyping, husbandry, mouse ordering, interacting with vet techs, database management).
  
• Learn and perform a variety of experimental procedures including but not limited to phenotyping the mice, tissue harvesting and preparation, anesthesia administration, tissue sectioning and immunohistochemistry, protein isolation, immunoprecipitation, and western blotting.
  
• Keep track of drug inventories for sedatives and anesthetics and maintain detailed logs of usage and disposal of controlled substances. Assist with data analysis.
  
• Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook. Engage in laboratory research by performing complex lab and research related tasks.
  
• Developing, designing, and conducting increasingly complex research projects.
  
• Perform complex tasks independently, adapt methods and procedures to meet the needs of research.
  

Laboratory Maintenance and General Duties:

• Maintain a clean laboratory area, lab equipment, and adequate inventory of lab supplies.
  
• Order supplies and reagents and interact with vendors and department fiscal specialists to keep track of invoices, orders and budgets (for mice and supplies).
  
• Make buffers and other reagents. Assist the PI with compliance for ACUC (mouse), IBC (biosafety) and chemical and environmental health safety protocols.
  
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.
  

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Experience: 2 years of experience. 4 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree. Must have experience managing a mouse colony. Preference for individuals with lab management and ordering experience at UVA, and experience in wet lab research.

Licensure: None.

This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions about the application process, please contact Eric Allen, Academic Recruiter at u th9qh@virginia.edu .

TO APPLY:

Please apply Here , and search for R0069451.

Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs' and search for “R0069451.”

Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

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 is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.