Lab Technician in Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia's Yang Lab is seeking up to three lab technicians to join the team in Charlottesville, within the Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department. The lab studies mitochondrial stress, ER stress, and ISR using Cryo-EM, biochemistry, and cell biology to understand stress pathways with potential therapeutic implications for neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and cancer.

Responsibilities include general lab maintenance and active participation in cutting-edge

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; may accept equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of lab experience.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate routine technical duties with clinical and research staff.
• Assist in evaluating methods and procedures against objectives.
• Provide basic data analysis using specialized software.
• Assist in training staff and supervising students.
• Support researchers and PIs in developing new strategies.
• Independent work following established protocols.

Skills

Lab techniques

Data analysis

Training others

Team coordination

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

The Yang lab is seeking up to three lab technician(s) to join their lab. We are located within the Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department at the University of Virginia.

The Yang Lab is dedicated to dissecting the molecular mechanisms of cellular stress response, specifically focusing on mitochondrial stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and downstream integrated stress response (ISR). We employ an interdisciplinary approach, integrating structural biology (Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET), biochemistry (protein characterization), and cell biology (fluorescent imaging). Our goal is to modulate those stress response pathways in physiological and pathological conditions, potentially leading to the development of novel therapeutics for related human diseases, including neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and cancer.

In addition, we have established close collaborations with experts in disease‑relevant mouse models to complement our mechanistic findings.

The duties of this position include general lab maintenance and direct participation in cutting edge research experiments. Lab and Research Technician employees provide increasingly complex technical support for projects and may engage in increasingly complex scientific experiments. They may handle more sophisticated administrative and logistical tasks.

Lab and Research Technician employees operate under supervision with a degree of independence when following set protocols and procedures.

General Duties

• Coordinate and participate in a variety of routine technical duties by aiding with clinical and research staff in testing, determinations, and experiments.
• Assist in evaluating research methods, procedures, and techniques, based on established objectives.
• Provide basic assistance to researchers in manipulating, computing, and analyzing data using specialized statistical computer software.
• Assist with training other staff members on procedures; may supervise students or volunteers.
• Assist Principal Investigators and senior staff in developing new strategies and techniques for experimentation.
• Provide routine, technical, and administrative support to research projects in Social Sciences and Humanities.
• May contact and coordinate schedules with study subjects, handle information intake, and record and track results.
• 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.

Preferred Requirement

Bachelor's (or equivalent) degree in natural science and at least 1 year’s laboratory 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.

Anticipated Compensation

$18.27/hour

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.

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.