Lab Technician or Specialist

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia is looking for a skilled Lab Technician to support neuroscience research in Charlottesville, Virginia. This position involves hands-on laboratory work as well as operational and administrative duties in a lab focused on brain tumor and neurodegeneration research.

Minimum education requirements include a high school diploma or an associate's degree paired with relevant lab experience. The role promotes compliance with safety regulations and documentation, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of lab experience or a bachelor's degree in a related field for Lab Technician 1.
• At least 2 years of lab experience or a bachelor's degree for Lab Technician 2.
• Experience with animal research and laboratory compliance procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory research projects and perform routine experimental procedures.
• Support animal-based research activities and maintain laboratory inventories.
• Serve as safety coordinator and assist with compliance documentation.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Organizational skills

Communication

Multitasking skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience or related field

Job description

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.

Primary 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 for 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.

Minimum Requirements for 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.