Lab Technician in Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Yang Lab at the University of Virginia, within the Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, seeks up to three lab technicians to support cutting-edge research on cellular stress responses. Roles are on-site in Charlottesville, VA, with emphasis on lab maintenance, data handling, and direct experimentation under supervision.

Minimum requirements include an Associate's degree and 2+ years of lab experience; a Bachelor's in natural science is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree required; equivalent combination of experience considered.
• 2+ years laboratory experience required; student experience acceptable.
• Bachelor's degree in natural science preferred; at least 1 year lab experience beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and participate in routine technical duties with clinical and research staff.
• Assist in evaluating research methods based on established objectives.
• Assist researchers in data analysis using specialized statistical software.
• Assist with training other staff members on procedures; may supervise students or volunteers.
• Support Principal Investigators and senior staff in developing new strategies for experimentation.
• Provide routine administrative support to research projects.
• May coordinate schedules with study subjects and record results.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Skills

Lab maintenance

Data analysis

Training staff

Scheduling coordination

Administrative support

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree in natural science (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.