Lab Technician or Specialist

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Visa sponsorship for applicants

Job summary

The University of Virginia is seeking a Lab Technician in Charlottesville, Virginia, to support a neuroscience research laboratory. Responsibilities include performing experimental procedures, managing laboratory operations, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

This position requires either a high school diploma with lab experience or an Associate's degree. Preferred candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and experience in a biomedical research lab.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of lab experience, or a bachelor’s in a related field.
• At least 2 years of lab experience with an Associate's degree.
• Experience in a biomedical research laboratory is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory research projects and pilot studies.
• Perform routine experimental procedures.
• Support animal-based research activities.
• Maintain laboratory inventories and equipment.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Multitasking skills

Laboratory techniques

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree in related field

Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Overview

The Department of Neuroscience in the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia is seeking a Lab Technician to join their team. The Lab Technician provides technical, operational, and administrative support for a neuroscience research laboratory focused on brain tumors, epilepsy, and neurodegeneration. This position supports ongoing research activities, laboratory organization, regulatory compliance, animal colony coordination, and onboarding/training of laboratory personnel. The technician works under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and laboratory management staff while exercising independence in following established laboratory procedures and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory research projects and pilot studies.
• Perform routine experimental procedures and learn new laboratory techniques as needed to support ongoing projects.
• Assist researchers with data organization, record keeping, and experimental preparation.
• Support animal-based research activities in accordance with approved protocols and institutional guidelines.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed to support laboratory operations and research activities.

Animal Colony Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between the animal facility and laboratory personnel.
• Monitor and maintain records of mouse colony status, including cage counts and colony organization.
• Communicate colony updates and breeding needs to the Principal Investigator and laboratory management.
• Coordinate genotyping submissions and related colony management logistics.

Laboratory Operations and Inventory Management

• Maintain laboratory inventories, including consumables, reagents, and shared supplies.
• Manage standing purchase orders and coordinate ordering of laboratory essentials through institutional purchasing systems.
• Maintain organization and functionality of shared laboratory equipment.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and service requests as needed.
• Assist with laboratory-wide cleaning, maintenance, and organizational tasks.

Safety, Compliance, And Documentation

• Serve as laboratory safety coordinator and help ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain laboratory records and documentation, including biosafety approvals, animal protocols, training records, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain laboratory chemical inventory and ensure proper labeling and storage practices.
• Keep equipment contact information, alarm systems, and emergency documentation up to date.
• Assist with preparation for laboratory inspections and compliance reviews.

Training And Onboarding

• Assist with onboarding and orientation of new laboratory personnel.
• Provide training to students and new lab members on laboratory procedures, equipment usage, and safety practices.
• Track required laboratory certifications and training compliance for laboratory personnel.

Minimum Requirements

Lab Technician 1: Education — High school diploma or equivalent; Experience — At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include experience as a student. A bachelor’s degree in a related science field will be considered in lieu of experience.

Lab Technician 2: Education — Associate's degree; Experience — At least 2 years of laboratory experience, which may include experience as a student. A bachelor's degree in a related science field will be considered in lieu of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical sciences, or a related scientific field.
• Previous experience working in a biomedical research laboratory.
• Experience with animal research and laboratory compliance procedures.
• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

Physical Demands

This position may involve occasional handling of laboratory animals, biological materials, chemicals, and standard laboratory environments in accordance with institutional safety and animal care regulations. The role requires the ability to perform repetitive fine motor movements using hands and fingers for operation of laboratory equipment and computers, as well as the ability to stand, bend, stoop, crouch, and move throughout laboratory and animal facility spaces for extended periods as needed. The position also requires the ability to occasionally lift and transport materials and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

Additional Information

This position will sponsor visa applicants. 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 anticipated Hiring Range is commensurate with education and experience.

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

Application Process

Please apply online, and search for R0083892. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not receive full consideration.

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three are required.

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.