Lab Specialist, Purow Laboratory Neurology

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

Job summary

A prestigious research institution is seeking a Laboratory Specialist to join a collaborative team focused on innovative strategies to treat brain cancers. Located in Charlottesville, this role involves conducting experiments related to glioblastoma and collaborating with other researchers. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and have at least one year of lab experience. Preferred candidates will have a Master's degree and hands-on experience in biomedical research. The position requires on-site presence.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of relevant lab experience required.
• Experience with glioblastoma cell lines and models.
• Hands-on research experience in a biomedical laboratory is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform key experiments independently.
• Conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments.
• Collaborate with laboratory members and participate in lab activities.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Biomedical research

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

The Purow Laboratory in the Department of Neurology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine invites applications for a Laboratory Specialist to join our collaborative and collegial team working on creative and novel strategies to treat lethal brain cancers. The position offers research experience and training under Dr. Benjamin Purow, a neuro-oncologist physician-scientist, and the goal is to contribute to original research and one or more publications.

The Purow Lab is a translational biomedical research team investigating exciting strategies for treating glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive brain cancer. Our efforts focus on therapies with direct toxicity to glioblastoma cells but increasingly on immune-boosting treatments as well. The lab’s foci include:

• Therapeutic combinations with inhibitors of diacylglycerol kinases for direct toxicity and immunotherapeutic activity against glioblastoma
• Synergistic combinations of existing drugs/agents, particularly repurposing available drugs in novel ways. This includes a unique combination of two over-the-counter agents that together boost immune cell activity, with potential applications within neuro-oncology but for many other applications outside it as well
• Local gene therapy approaches to boost the immune response against glioblastoma

We collaborate with other laboratories at UVA and elsewhere, and our laboratory is part of both the UVA Neurology Department and its NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Responsibilities

• Learn how to perform key experiments in one or more of our active research projects, then perform them independently (in vitro and in vivo)
• Perform in vitro and in vivo experiments with glioblastoma cell lines and models
• Perform co‑culture experiments with glioblastoma and immune cells
• Collaborate with laboratory members and external collaborators
• Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and Cancer Center activities

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required
• Experience: At least 1 year of relevant lab experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s‑degree level work in biomedical research
• At least one year of hands‑on research experience in a biomedical laboratory

Physical Demands

This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments. It also requires keyboarding and other bench work requiring finer finger manipulation.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is a non‑exempt‑level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
• This is a restricted position and has a term limit of one year, after which continued employment is contingent upon department need and funding availability.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on‑site.

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

This position will remain open until filled.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
• Background checks and pre‑employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How To Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0081863. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Reference checks

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third‑party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Speth at [e-mail].

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.