Lab Technician, Department of Neurosurgery

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, seeks a Lab Technician to support Neurosurgery research focused on functional neuro-oncology and related areas. The role involves complex lab tasks, data analysis, and potential animal work in a dynamic research setting.

Responsibilities include assisting with methods evaluation, training, and contributing to manuscripts. Education required is an Associate's degree with 2+ years lab experience; on-site, full-time position with competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree required; may accept equivalent combination of experience or certification.
• 2+ years of lab experience preferred.
• Experience with cell cultures, data analysis, and animal handling is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex lab and research tasks under supervision; adapt methods as needed.
• Assist in evaluation of methods and procedures for research objectives.
• May perform small animal surgery and manage animal care.
• Prepare and maintain clinical and translational research protocols.
• Manage day-to-day lab operations and schedule experiments.
• Train staff and students in lab methods and safety.
• Contribute to data analysis, reporting, and manuscript preparation.
• Attend seminars to present work and keep records up-to-date.

Skills

Lab techniques

Data analysis

Cell culture

Animal care

IRB protocol support

Statistical software

Python

MATLAB

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Connectomics analytics

Job description

The Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a Lab Technician to support our labs, currently with a focus on functional neuro-oncology and functional neurosurgery, including brain tumors, movement disorders and chronic pain, and potentially neurovascular research.

Lab Technician employees provide technical lab support by performing complex lab and research related tasks. They act as specialists on research methods and equipment functions specific to investigations. They have the authority to adapt methods and procedures to meet the needs of research. Lab Technician employees perform daily activities without supervision; their longer-term assignments require greater oversight. Lab Technician employees often train others on work processes and policies.

The Successful Candidate Will Be Expected To

• 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 high degree of proficiency.
• Assist in evaluation of research methods, procedures, and techniques based on established objectives.
• May perform small animal surgery.
• Perform cell cultures
• 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.
• Assist with writing IRB protocols
• 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

Specific Duties In Neurosurgery Research

• Conduct surgical experiments using small and large animal models
• Perform animal care, handling, and training
• Collect, process, and analyze samples from animal experiments
• Prepare and maintain clinical and translational research protocols
• Manage day-to-day activities of lab and schedule experiments as necessary
• Functional neurosurgery research could include preparing and conducting experimental testing with healthy human subjects and patients (transcranial focused ultrasound, laser-evoked potentials, quantitative somatosensory testing, EEG, MRI, surveys, etc.)
• Provide supervisory role for lab students and volunteers
• Maintain data records and perform data analysis, including with image processing and statistical software
• Contribute to manuscripts and grant submissions
• Attend and present work at seminars and conferences

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.

Preference given for familiarity with tools like Phyton, Matlab and Connectomics analytics.

Anticipated Salary Range: $19.00 - $25.00, 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 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 not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, [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.