The Department of Family Medicine at the University of Virginia seeks a Lab Specialist to assist with research that examines how different biological, environmental, and lifestyle factors influence the development of colon cancer. The Lab Specialist will play an important role in working with the principal investigators and research staff to plan, implement, and evaluate clinical and population research projects.

The Lab Specialist will provide technical lab support by performing high-quality lab and research-related tasks and will have the authority to adapt methods and procedures to meet the needs of research. Responsibilities will include performing daily activities without supervision; their longer-term assignments require greater oversight. Trains others on work processes and policies.

• Recruit, screen, and enroll study participants who meet research criteria. Collect demographic and lifestyle information through scripted interviews and answer general questions.
• Obtain informed consent from study participants and maintain telephone contact. Notify principal investigator and supervisor of subject status.
• Work with doctors and nursing staff at the UVA Endoscopy Clinic to collect patient samples and bring back to the lab for processing.
• Collect and enter subject data into clinical database (e.g., REDCap), and manage the clinical database, adhering to proper research protocols. Keep complete logs and track participants.
• Process and prepare laboratory bio-specimens according to research needs (e.g., taking aliquots using pipettes). Ship laboratory specimens across institutions on dry ice. Keep bio-specimen catalogs.
• 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.
• Coordinate with principal investigator and school, department, and central administration to help ensure that research activities are performed in accordance with federal regulations and university and sponsoring agency policies and procedures.
• Provide basic assistance in analyzing data and preparing reports/graphs using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.).
• 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

• Education: Bachelor's degree. Bachelor's or master's degree in a health-related discipline is preferred.
• Experience: 3 years of experience. 6 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree. Experience can include training via fellowships, student work, internships, and volunteering that is relevant to the work of the position.

Qualifications:

• Patient-oriented/clinical research experience is preferred.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems.
• Ability to work accurately and with attention to detail.
• Proficient in basic laboratory skills (e.g., pipetting, aliquoting, dry ice shipping).
• Ability to sort, compile, and manage data. Working knowledge of managing clinical databases (e.g., REDCap) is preferred.
• Basic data analysis skills using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage large volumes of information.
• Flexibility and ability to adjust to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to learn new information under supervision of others.
• Ability to work with diverse community of people.
• Ability to relate to people in a wide variety of professional levels.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and organizational communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn the organization policies and procedures associated with clinical research.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

This position will remain open until filled. This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community, please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.

For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits.


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.