University of Virginia

The Department of Cell Biology, at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, is seeking an eager and self-motivated Lab Specialist to work in Dr. Sameer Bajikar’s laboratory (www.bajikarlab.com). The lab is working on several projects related to studying the underlying causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. These projects involve the development and characterization of new cellular and rodent models and tools to study neurodevelopmental disorders. The Lab Specialist will work closely with the PI and other lab members to complete experiments in support of the ongoing, long-term research projects.

Job Responsibilities Include:

• Responsible for laboratory maintenance and upkeep, including: ordering, stocking, and organizing supplies, preparing stock solutions, maintaining equipment, and assisting the PI with environmental health and safety compliance.
• Perform experimental procedures based on objectives and designs by Dr. Bajikar, including, but not limited to, PCR, molecular biology/recombinant DNA, cell culture, protein and RNA isolation, quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and mouse colony maintenance
• Provide experimental support for larger scale on going, long-term experiments led by other lab members 
• Assist in training other lab members on experimental and lab procedures 
• Maintain and organized and detailed lab notebook, tabulated experimental results, and reagent inventory
• Prepare summary figures and presentations of results 
• Attend and participate in lab meetings
• In addition to the above responsibilities, other duties may be assigned 

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree.

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

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: Experience in molecular biology techniques like PCR and immunoblotting. Preferred experience in either: 1) cell culture or 2) mouse colony management. Must be willing to work with rodents

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. 

Application Instructions: Apply Now. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile, search Find Jobs and then R0060036. Complete an application online and include the following documents:

• A CV/resume
• A cover letter is optional but strongly encouraged

All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please note that this is a restricted position and continuation is dependent upon the availability of the position, funding, and satisfactory performance.

For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks, Academic Recruiter. Before a formal offer of employment is extended, the selected candidate will undergo a background check per university policy.

The University of Virginia, including 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 (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.