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.

The Department of Biology is hiring a Lab and Research Technician in the Gibson lab at the University of Virginia to assist with ongoing projects in the lab. The Gibson lab (coevolving.org) at the University of Virginia studies the evolutionary ecology and genetics of host-parasite interactions with the goal of understanding how organisms adapt to rampant uncertainty-uncertainty in the species and strain of parasite a host might encounter and uncertainty in the environment in which that encounter will unfold. Our research primarily makes use of the fabulous experimental tools and resources available for the model nematode C. elegans and its natural parasites. These include experimental evolution with cryogenic preservation, high-throughput phenotyping, a variety of transgenic methods, and wild isolates with whole genome sequences. We also tackle our questions using greenhouse and field experiments on plant-associated nematodes and their parasites. Researchers in the lab have ample opportunity for creative experimental design, independence, and training in a variety of skills and areas of scholarship. In joining the lab, new members sign on to our commitment to promoting an inclusive and safe environment, supporting all the members of our team in realizing their full potential and actively valuing the creativity and productivity that comes from the meeting of diverse minds.

Qualified candidates will show attention to detail, excellent recordkeeping, an ability to learn on the job, and strong organizational and communication skills. Qualified candidates will also be comfortable with fine motor tasks and microscopy. Experience performing basic molecular techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, or gel electrophoresis, and familiarity with Excel and R is preferred.

Duties will include:

• Performing phenotyping assays to measure parasite resistance.
• Overseeing and assisting in experimental evolution projects.
• Conducting molecular work to identify the genetic basis of phenotypes.
• Entering and formatting data for analysis.
• Staying up to date on relevant experimental techniques and implementing these in the lab to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintaining cleanliness and proper functioning of equipment.
• Training undergraduates in the lab and managing their schedules and responsibilities.
• Animal husbandry, including tracking levels of archived stocks, archiving additional stocks, ordering new stocks, and maintaining the condition of stocks.
• Ensuring normal day-to-day operations of the lab and compliance with environmental safety standards.

This full-time position will remain open until filled.

This is a restricted position contingent on continued funding.

For questions about this position or the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor at rkh6j@virginia.edu.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• 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. A BA in Biology or a related field and experience (2-4 years) working in a laboratory setting, and experience with basic laboratory techniques (e.g., preparing media) and dissecting scopes are preferred.
• 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 bench work and animal procedures requiring fine finger manipulation.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

 

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.