Lab Specialist or Specialist Intermediate, Charlton Lab - Pediatrics

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

UVA benefits

Job summary

The University of Virginia is seeking a Lab Professional in the Charlton Laboratory to support research on kidney development, neonatal kidney disease, and outcomes of early-life kidney injury. The role involves animal models, histology, and molecular biology with potential work on human biospecimens.

Responsibilities include conducting animal studies, histology, molecular methods, data management, and mentoring trainees within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; combination with experience/education/certification may be considered.
• 1+ year of relevant lab experience.
• Willing to work with animal models and human biospecimens.

Responsibilities

• Perform animal research procedures including handling, breeding, genotyping, tissue collection and maintaining study records.
• Conduct histologic studies: fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, IHC/IF, microscopy and image analysis.
• Perform molecular and cellular techniques: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, protein isolation, Western blot, ELISA and sample prep for sequencing.
• Process, catalog, store, and analyze human biospecimens per approved protocols and biosafety requirements.
• Train and supervise students and lab members in techniques, safety, and recordkeeping.

Skills

Teamwork

Teaching/Mentoring

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR

Western blotting

ELISA

Job description

The University of Virginia’s Department of Pediatrics is seeking a Lab Professional. The Charlton Laboratory seeks a highly motivated, collaborative laboratory specialist to support research focused on kidney development, neonatal kidney disease, and the long-term consequences of early-life kidney injury. The successful candidate will have experience with animal models, histology, and molecular biology and be willing to learn or has experience working with human biospecimens. This position requires excellent organizational and communication skills, careful attention to detail, and a strong commitment to teamwork and mentoring trainees.

This position will be filled as either a Lab Specialist or Lab Specialist Intermediate.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform animal research procedures, including animal handling, monitoring, breeding, genotyping, tissue collection, and maintenance of accurate study records.
• Conduct histologic studies, including tissue fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
• Perform molecular and cellular laboratory techniques, which may include DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and quantitative PCR, protein isolation, Western blotting, ELISA, and preparation of samples for sequencing or other assays.
• Process, catalog, store, and analyze human biospecimens in accordance with approved protocols and institutional safety and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, electronic databases, specimen inventories, and animal records.
• Assist with experimental design, protocol development, troubleshooting, data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, monitor supply inventories, prepare reagents, and coordinate ordering.
• Support compliance with animal care, biosafety, human-subjects research, and other institutional requirements.
• Train and supervise students and other laboratory members in research techniques, laboratory safety, recordkeeping, and responsible conduct of research.
• Work closely with the principal investigator, research staff, students, clinical collaborators, and other laboratories to advance shared research goals.
• Contribute to abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, and grant-related materials as appropriate.

Role Characteristics

• An enthusiastic and dependable team player who contributes to a respectful, supportive, and collaborative laboratory environment.
• A patient and effective teacher who enjoys working with students at different levels of experience.
• Willing and able to work with both animal models and human biological samples.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• Able to manage multiple projects, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently while communicating regularly with the research team.
• Willing to learn new techniques, troubleshoot experiments, and adapt to changing project needs.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, reliability, and respect for colleagues and research participants.

Minimum Qualifications

Laboratory Specialist

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

Laboratory Specialist Intermediate

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory animals, including handling and basic experimental procedures.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Interest in teaching, mentoring, and working with undergraduate students, graduate students, medical trainees, or other learners.

Anticipated Compensation (commensurate With Level, Education And Experience)

• Lab Specialist (non-exempt): $21.63 - $26.44 ($45k-$55k annually)
• Lab Specialist Intermediate (exempt): $55,000 to $65,000 annually

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, benefited position. Learn more about UVA 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, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks and health screenings will be conducted on all new hires.
• This position will consider 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.