Lab Tech or Specialist (Varying Levels)

The Department of Hematology-Oncology at the University of Virginia is seeking a lab professional to join the innovative Fox Lab. We are looking to fill the position of Laboratory and Research Technician 2 or Laboratory Specialist (varying levels), depending on your qualifications and experience. This position will play a vital role in groundbreaking research investigating sphingolipids in models of cancer, inflammation, and ocular diseases.

This position is ideal for an individual passionate about hands-on experimental work with a focus on biological models. You'll be instrumental in running a variety of phenotypic assays and contributing to molecular and biochemical analyses. By joining our team, you will contribute to discoveries that could lead to new therapies and improved patient outcomes. We foster a collaborative and dynamic environment where curiosity and scientific rigor are highly valued.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform cutting-edge cellular and rodent-based assays, including ocular assays, studies of diabetic complications, and cancer models (leukemia and prostate cancer).
• Maintain and manage mouse colonies, ensuring the health and integrity of our research models.
• Execute molecular and biochemical assays such as flow cytometry, genetic manipulation (CRISPR-Cas9, RNAi), western blotting, qPCR, cellular phenotyping, and preparing samples for mass spectrometry.
• Assist with experimental design, data analysis, and evaluation of research methods.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Experimental Work - Assist with experimental design, maintain in vitro and in vivo models, prepare samples, perform experimental procedures, and assist with data analysis.
• Laboratory Maintenance & General Duties - Maintain a clean lab, prepare reagents, meticulously maintain a laboratory notebook, and assist principal investigators as needed.
• Ordering & Purchasing - Process lab purchases via UVA Marketplace, interact with vendors, and manage returns.

Additional Responsibilities for Laboratory Specialist (varying levels):

• Work independently and perform daily activities with minimal supervision.
• Train and mentor others on work processes and lab policies.
• Manage and coordinate ACUC and EHS compliance, ensuring adherence to safety and ethical guidelines.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Laboratory and Research Technician 2:
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.

Lab Specialist:
Education: Bachelor's degree.
Experience: 2 years of experience. 4 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Lab Specialist Intermediate:
Education: Bachelor's degree.
Experience: 4 years of experience. Master's degree may substitute for required experience. 8 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Lab Specialist Senior:
Education: Bachelor's degree.
Experience: 6 years of experience. 10 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree or Master's degree plus 4 years lab-related experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong foundation in biochemistry, cellular biology, and physiology.
• Experience with GraphPad Prism, R, and/or other statistical software is a plus.
• Familiarity with flow cytometry, western blotting, immunofluorescence, cell culture assays, rodent-based assays, and/or maintenance of mouse colonies.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to meticulous experimental work.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain a clean and efficient laboratory environment.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities and a willingness to learn new techniques.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with principal investigators and colleagues.

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.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. This is a benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits . This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site. To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA . 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 R0074453. 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.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.”

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. For questions about the application process, please contact Jeremy Brofft, Senior Recruiter at xmf9ad@virginia.edu .

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.