Lab and Research Technician I and Lab Specialist in Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

The Yang lab is seeking 2 lab technicians (level I) and 1 lab specialist. We are located within the Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department at the University of Virginia. The duties of this position include general lab maintenance, performing research experiments, analyzing experimental data, and direct participation in cutting edge research projects.

About the Yang Lab: our primary focus lies in the structural and functional characterization of proteins integral to cellular stress sensing and response including mitochondrial stress and ER stress. Central to our approach is the utilization of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine the high-resolution structures of protein complexes, thereby revealing their conformational landscapes and interactive details in stress response pathways. Another branch of our research endeavors is to translate the mechanistic insights obtained into the realm of drug development. This research holds profound implications for the treatment of a myriad of human diseases, including neurodegeneration, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders.

Lab and Research Technician 1 employees focus on performing routine research tasks and developing skills. They assume routine to moderately complex technical support for research projects. Work is routine and can be performed with some degree of independence when following established protocols and procedures. Lab and Research Technician 1 employees perform tasks as assigned by supervisor.

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.

LAB AND RESEARCH TECHNICIAN 1 GENERAL DUTIES:

• Perform similar duties to Lab and Research Aide, such as preparing reagents and solutions as instructed, performing analyses, participating in research work and experiments.
  
• Coordinate and participate in a variety of routine technical duties by providing assistance to research staff in testing, determinations, and experiments.
  
• Assist in evaluating research methods, procedures, and techniques, based on established objectives.
  
• Provide basic assistance to researchers in manipulating, computing, and analyzing data using specialized statistical computer software.
  
• Assist with training other staff members on procedures; may supervise students or volunteers.
  
• Assist Principal Investigators and senior staff in developing new strategies and techniques for experimentation.
  
• Record accurate information and logs of experimental data.
  
• May contact and coordinate schedules with study subjects, handle information intake, and record and track results.
  
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned
  

LAB SPECIALIST GENERAL DUTIES:

• Specialize in lab and/or other research methods and equipment functions specific to Principal Investigators and/or labs. Demonstrate expertise in troubleshooting problems and recommending solutions. Perform a variety of tests requiring high degree of proficiency.
  
• Assist in evaluation of research methods, procedures, and techniques based on established objectives.
  
• Operate, adjust, and maintain specific scientific apparatuses and instruments. Order lab supplies and maintain inventory.
  
• Provide basic assistance to researchers in manipulating, computing, and analyzing data using specialized statistical computer software. Evaluate experiment results using statistical and multivariate analyses. Research, compile, and maintain complex statistical, numerical, and computerized reports.
  
• Perform library and literature research.
  
• Assist in instructing lab academic sections in lab methods, procedures, and safety.
  
• Explain work instructions and may adapt general methods and procedures in order to meet the needs of the research.
  
• Assist in training other staff members on procedures.
  
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned
  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Lab and Research Technician I

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Experience: At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include student experience. Bachelor's degree will be considered in lieu of experience.

Licensure: None

Lab Specialist

Education: Bachelor's degree.

Experience: 3 years of experience. 6 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Licensure: None.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENT:

Bachelor's (or equivalent) degree in natural science and at least 1 year's laboratory 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 is restricted and dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and satisfactory job performance. Depending on hire level the positions are non-exempt and exempt level benefitted position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits .

This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.

To Apply:

Apply Here , and search for R0063954.

Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs' and search for R0063954.

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.

References will be completed via UVA's standardized process Skill Survey. A total of five references will be requested via Skill Survey during the final phase of the interview process.

For questions about the application process, please contact Michelle Johnson , Recruiter.

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, 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, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.