The Brandebura lab, at the University of Virginia School of Medicine Department of Neuroscience, seeks candidates for Laboratory and Research Technician 2, Lab Specialist, Lab Specialist Intermediate, or Lab Specialist Senior. The Brandebura Laboratory studies astrocyte dysfunction in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders like Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease. We are focused on how to target astrocytes, and their signaling to other glial cells and the vasculature, to improve neuroinflammation, blood-brain-barrier and synapse dysfunction. We utilize mouse models and primary cell culture to test biological mechanisms.
The lab is newly established and the candidate will work closely with the primary investigator to set up the lab. The candidate will perform duties such as:
Animal colony and protocols: The candidate will manage the animal colony, perform genotyping and keep an accurate and detailed record of the mouse census. In collaboration with Dr. Brandebura, the candidate will make requested changes to the animal and biosafety protocols.
Lab Inventory and Stocking: The candidate will be responsible for creating lab inventories of available reagents, stocking the lab, ordering supplies and prepare solutions and buffers.
Conducting and analyzing experimental data: In addition to the duties, the candidate will be required to work on collecting experimental data, including microscopy imaging of brain slices, cell culture experiments and behavioral analysis on mice. Prior experience with mouse handling is desired, but not required. The candidate will absolutely be required to work with mice so the candidate must be open willing to do this. The candidate will also participate in analysis of the collected data and will be required to present this data in lab meetings. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required. Experience with statistical analysis and graphing software is a plus.
Optimization and maintenance of lab protocols for use by all lab members: Under the supervision of Dr. Brandebura, the candidate will optimize and archive lab protocols for later use and will be required to keep a detailed and accurate lab notebook that others can follow.
Collaboration and training: Importantly, this lab will consist of multiple trainees at all levels, from undergraduate to postdoctoral fellows, and so the ideal candidate must be willing to work as a team, create an inclusive environment and be willing to train new lab members on existing protocols in the lab.
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.
Licensure: None.
Lab Specialist:
Education: Bachelor's degree.
Experience: 2 years of experience. 4 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.
Licensure: None.
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.
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 position will remain open until filled. This is a benefitted position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits . This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance. This position is located in Charlottesville, VA.
The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position.
To Apply: Please apply through the UVA job board , and search for R0071692. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Complete an application online with the following documents:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
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.
References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process Skill Survey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process.
For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, Recruiter, at jf2sw @virginia.edu .
For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.
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.
