Lab Specialist

The Kulkarni lab in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is seeking a Laboratory Specialist to work on experiments to model human diseases using frogs as a model organism. We utilize diverse techniques that include frog genetics, in vitro and natural fertilization, microdissections, microinjection, molecular cloning, in situ hybridization, tissue culture, immunofluorescence, protein immunoblotting, and various types of microscopy on live and/or fixed cells and embryos. The lab specialist will work closely with the PI and other lab members to complete tasks to support NIH-funded research and investigate the formation and function of cilia which is essential for embryonic development and physiology.

The lab specialist will also be responsible for laboratory organization and maintenance. This includes training of other personnel, frog colony breeding and maintenance, genotyping, ordering and maintaining supplies and reagents, maintaining equipment, and assisting the PI with environmental health and safety compliance. The lab specialist should be able to work on an independent project. Thus, the position requires frequent use of the scientific literature and databases, appropriate data analysis including statistics, lab notebook and electronic data keeping, clear communication, and clear data presentation.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree.

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

Preferred Requirements

Education: Bachelor's or master’s degrees in biological sciences or related sciences.

Experience: 1-2 years of experience in wet lab research in related science. The successful applicant will demonstrate a history of: 1) excellent work ethic and above-average productivity; 2) meticulous attention to detail; 3) flexible thinking and ability to learn new skills; 4) prior personal ownership of complex project(s); and 5) working both independently and collaboratively. Preferred experience includes molecular biology, work with animals, especially frogs, cell or tissue culture, cell transfection, microinjection, protein isolation and immunoblotting techniques, protein biochemistry, and microscopy.

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 R0060040. Complete an application online and include the following documents:

A CV/resumeA 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. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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. This position is restricted and contingent upon the continuation of funding.

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.