Lab and Research Technician, Department of Surgery

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia's SOM Department of Surgery invites applications for a Lab and Research Technician to join Dr. Slingluff's cancer immunology laboratory in Charlottesville.

The role supports translational studies on human T cell responses to cancer and collaborates on multiple projects. The ideal candidate has strong immunology or cancer biology background, with lab experience and excellent communication skills; a degree in immunology, biology, or related field

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher in immunology, biology, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience; relevant coursework acceptable for students.
• Experience with human T cell biology and cellular immunology techniques is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Clone TCRs from cancer patients.
• Engineer T cells to express patient-derived TCRs.
• Assess TCR expression and function in engineered cells.
• Conduct functional assays to characterize antigen-specific T cell responses.
• Provide technical support for cancer immunology research.
• Assist with experimental design and data analysis.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and contribute to publications.

Skills

Immunology

Cancer biology

T cell biology

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Education

Associate's degree in a related field

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Flow cytometry

Molecular biology techniques

Job description

The University of Virginia's SOM Department of Surgery is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Lab and Research Technician to join Dr. Slingluff's cancer immunology laboratory. We focus on translational research studies in humans, bridging between preclinical science and clinical trials. Our main focus is in melanoma research, but some of our work applies to other human cancers. The successful candidate will play a central role in ongoing studies of human T cell responses to cancer and will contribute to multiple collaborative research projects within the laboratory.

Duties include:

• Clone T cell receptors (TCRs) from cancer patients.
• Engineer T cells to express patient‑derived TCRs.
• Evaluate engineered T cells for TCR expression and function.
• Perform functional assays to characterize antigen‑specific T cell responses.
• Provide technical support for cancer immunology research projects.
• Assist with experimental design and optimization.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Maintain accurate and organized laboratory records.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and scientific publications.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents and materials.
• Manage laboratory inventory and supplies.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Maintain general laboratory organization, cleanliness, and compliance with laboratory procedures.

The ideal candidate will possess substantial research experience in immunology, cancer biology, or a related field. An undergraduate degree in immunology, cancer biology, or a closely related discipline is preferred, although exceptionally qualified candidates with equivalent research experience will also be considered. Ideal experience would be in human T cell biology and cellular immunology techniques. The candidate should also have excellent interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills.

The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment, demonstrate excellent organizational and communication skills, and be committed to scientific rigor and reproducibility. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative research in cancer immunology and to participate as a co‑author on high‑impact peer‑reviewed publications.

Minimum Requirements:

Lab and Research Technician 2

• 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.

Lab and Research Technician 3

• Education: Bachelor's degree required, may accept combination of experience/education/certification in lieu of degree.
• Experience: 1+ year of relevant lab experience required.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

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.

Position Type & Work Location:

• This is a full-time, non-exempt level benefited position. Learn more aboutUVA benefits.
• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on continuation of available funding.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on‑site.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visitUVA LifeandEmbark CVA.

Additional Requirements:

• Background checks and health screenings will be conducted on all new hires.
• This positionwill notconsider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

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.