Entry Level Biology Lab Tech Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Brandebura lab, at the University of Virginia School of Medicine Department of Neuroscience, seeks candidates for Lab Tech 1 or 2 or Lab Specialist. 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 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:
Education: Associate's degree required; may accept equivalent combination of experience, education, certification in lieu of degree.
Experience: 2+ years of lab experience which may include student experience.
Licensure: None.
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 benchwork and animal procedures requiring fine finger manipulation.
This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.
This position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is a full-time benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
Compensation: $15 - $21/hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
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.
Application Process:
Please apply online , and search for R0082623. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV/Resume
• 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 the required documents will not receive full consideration. This position is open until filled.
References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three are required.
For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, js9rk@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .