Lab Specialist Intermediate or Lab Specialist Senior

The laboratory of Dr. Molly Hughes in the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine seeks applicants to fill a Lab Specialist role (Intermediate or Senior, depending on experience) for assisting with the pre-clinical development of antibacterial peptides to combat infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. Candidates must demonstrate an existing proficiency for conducting live animal (mouse) model research.

Lab Specialists engage in laboratory science by performing complex lab and research related tasks that include designing and conducting experiments independently. Senior Lab Specialists are distinguished by their well-developed subject matter expertise, capacity to manage challenging projects, and ability to assist with the preparation of grants and publications.

An introduction to the UVA Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health can be found here: https://med.virginia.edu/infectious-diseases/

The successful candidate will support the day-to-day operations of a microbiology laboratory. Responsibilities will include performing experiments and analyzing data under the direction of the Principal Investigator and senior staff, as well as completing administrative duties such as ordering supplies and monitoring inventories.

Laboratory work will involve bacterial culture, antimicrobial killing and cytotoxicity assays, mouse husbandry and infection-model experiments, tissue processing, and other related techniques needed to carry out the project as it develops.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory experiments including biological and chemical analyses.
• Handle mice and utilize murine models of infection, inflammation, and antibacterial therapy.
• Perform animal observation and wellness scoring during post-operative or treatment periods, occasionally including shared duties after hours or during weekends.
• Assist other lab members with completing large or complex investigations.
• Operate, adjust, and maintain scientific instruments.
• Follow appropriate biosafety practices and precautions.
• Perform data analyses and graphing/visualization.
• Document research findings. Generate study reports and support materials.
• Train colleagues and collaborators.
• Order lab supplies and manage receiving. Keep laboratory approvals in good standing and up-to-date.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Lab Specialist Intermediate

Education: Bachelor's degree.

Experience: 6 years of experience in a lab technician role. Master's degree may substitute for required experience. 9 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Licensure: None.

Lab Specialist Senior

Education: Bachelor's degree.

Experience: 9 years of experience in a lab technician role. May substitute with Master's or Terminal degree plus 4 years of experience in a lab technician role and supervisory experience. 12 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Licensure: None.

Preferences

Preferred candidates will possess a demonstrated record of conducting animal research and have experience in biomedical research, bacteriology, and immunology. The position is restricted and dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and satisfactory job performance. The anticipated hiring range is $45,000 - $50,000 annually, commensurate with experience. This posting is for an Exempt level position with benefits. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits .

This opening will not be able to sponsor applicants for work visas.

This position will remain open until filled. 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.

Physical Demands

Lab Specialists can spend extensive periods of time standing, sitting, and squatting while conducting experiments at the lab bench and caring for animals. Walking/moving around the laboratory and relevant areas of the building on the same floor, and other floors, will be necessary. Fine finger manipulation is required to perform bench work and animal procedures.

To Apply:

Apply Here , and search for R0063331.

Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs' and search for R0063331.

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.