Lab Tech/Specialist - Kuan Lab

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 23,419 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Health screening provided

Job summary

The University of Virginia seeks a motivated Lab Technician 1 or 2 for Dr. Chia-Yi Kuan's lab in Charlottesville. Responsibilities include conducting experiments, performing mouse surgeries, and maintaining lab equipment while supervising undergraduates.

Applicants should have an Associate’s degree and at least 2 years of laboratory experience. The position offers a competitive hourly wage and full benefits. Background checks and health screenings will be required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of lab experience, which may include student experience.
• Motivated to learn new laboratory techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mouse surgery and perform immunohistochemistry.
• Assist in laboratory management and ordering supplies.
• Train undergraduate students and other staff members.
• Evaluate research methods and assist with statistical analyses.

Skills

Written communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Self-motivation

Teamwork

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Job description

The Department of Neuroscience at the University of Virginia seeks a motivated and detail-oriented Lab Technician 1 or 2 or Laboratory Specialist for Dr. Chia-Yi (Alex) Kuan's lab to perform experimental procedures and assist with laboratory management. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting mouse surgery, immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting analysis, RT-qPCR, and mouse colony management including PCR-based genotyping, ordering lab supplies, maintaining lab equipment, and helping to train undergraduate students.

The successful candidate should possess excellent written communication skills and be motivated to learn new laboratory techniques and skills. Applicants should also possess strong problem- solving skills, self‑motivation, and be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Specialize in lab and/or other research methods and equipment functions specific to Principal Investigators and/or labs. Demonstrate expertise in troubleshooting problems and recommending solutions. Perform a variety of tests requiring a high degree of proficiency.
• Assist in evaluation of research methods, procedures, and techniques based on established objectives.
• May perform small animal surgery.
• Provide basic assistance to researchers in manipulating, computing, and analyzing data using specialized statistical computer software. Evaluate experiment results using statistical and multivariate analyses. Research, compile, and maintain complex statistical, numerical, and computerized reports.
• Perform library and literature research.
• Assist in instructing lab academic sections in lab methods, procedures, and safety.
• Explain work instructions and may adapt general methods and procedures in order to meet the needs of the research.
• Assist in training other staff members on procedures.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• 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.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $17 - $22/hour, commensurate with education and experience.

Expected start date: August 2026

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.

This position will not sponsor applicants already in the US for work visas. This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.

This position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is a full‑time benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed health screen is required for this position.

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.