The Department of Pharmacology at the University of Virginia seeks either a Laboratory and Research Technician 2 or Laboratory Specialist (depending on qualifications) to assist investigators in the Kester Lab with experiments designed to investigate sphingolipids in cancer and ocular diseases. The individual will predominantly be performing rodent-based assays (e.g., angiogenesis, leukocyte adhesion, diabetic complications and cancer models), maintaining mouse colonies, working with cell culture models, and performing molecular and biochemical assays. Experimental techniques may include flow cytometry, Western blotting, cellular phenotyping assays and preparation of samples for mass spectrometry. Skill sets in biochemistry, cellular biology and physiology are desired.

Learn more about the Kester Lab: https://pharm.virginia.edu/faculty/primary-faculty/?facbio=1&id=26708

What You Will Do

Experimental Work:

• Assist with the design and development of experimental assays.
• Maintain in vitro and in vivo models.
• Prepare samples for mass spectrometry analyses.
• Perform a variety of experimental procedures and assist in the evaluation of research methods, procedures and techniques based on established objectives.
• Assist with data analysis.

Laboratory Maintenance and General Duties:

• Maintain a clean laboratory area and assist with overall laboratory maintenance.
• Make buffers and other reagents.
• Maintain a laboratory notebook.
• Be available to assist principal investigators as needed.

Ordering and Purchasing:

• Process purchases for the lab using the UVA Marketplace.
• Interact with vendors to determine appropriate products.
• Return damaged or incorrect items.

Additional Duties for Lab Specialist:

• Perform daily activities without supervision and must be able to train others on work processes and policies.
• Provide ACUC and EHS compliance management and coordination of laboratory meetings and laboratory maintenance.
• Order laboratory supplies.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with GraphPad Prism, R and/or other statistical software.
• Experience with flow cytometry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, cell culture assays, rodent-based assays and/or maintenance of mouse colonies.

Requirements for Lab and Research Technician 2:

• Either an associate's degree and two years of lab experience, which may include student experience, or a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline and two years of lab experience, which may include student experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) and statistical/bioinformatics analyses (experience while in school will be considered).

Requirements for Lab Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline is required, as well as at least 3 years of laboratory experience in an academic or industrial laboratory setting.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) and statistical/bioinformatics analyses (experience while in school will be considered).

The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check and health screen prior to their first day of employment per University policy.

Anticipated hiring range: $15.00 - $21.00/hour. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is a restricted position and continuation is dependent on the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

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

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