Lab Technician or Specialist, Dolatshahi Lab - Biomedical Engineering

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

Job summary

The Dolatshahi laboratory at the University of Virginia is seeking a Laboratory Technician or Specialist to conduct cellular and molecular biology experiments. This role involves coordinating clinical research and providing essential lab support.

The successful candidate will have an Associate’s degree with 2 years of experience or a Bachelor’s degree with 1 year. The anticipated annual salary is between $40,000 and $55,000, based on education and experience.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree and 2 years of experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 1 year of experience.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments such as cell culture and biochemical experiments.
• Evaluate experiment results using statistical methods.
• Provide technical, logistical, and administrative support to research projects.
• Collect, verify, and manage patient data.
• Assist with data management, visualization, and analysis.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Ability to troubleshoot

Understanding of research processes

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

The Dolatshahi laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia is seeking a Laboratory Technician or Specialist to perform cellular and molecular biology experiments, coordinate clinical research, provide technical lab support, and manage collaborations. Our systems immunology lab investigates fundamental mechanisms of immune regulation and dysregulation, with an ultimate objective of identifying strategies to design and improve immunotherapies and vaccines. Motivated entry-level or experienced researchers are invited to apply. The successful candidate will participate as part of a collaborative research team which combines experimental and computational methods to study neonatal‑maternal immunity and cancer.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments such as cell culture, collecting and processing patient samples, primary cell isolation, biochemical and molecular biology experiments.
• Evaluate experiment results using statistical analyses and maintain digital reports of the results.
• Provide routine, technical, logistical and administrative support to research projects; order supplies and equipment for the lab, maintain an organized system of operation, prepare culture media and reagents, facilitate collaborations with other labs.
• Help develop protocols and IRB submissions.
• Participate in weekly group meetings and assist in evaluating research methods and procedures based on established objectives; assist Principal Investigator and lab members in developing new strategies and techniques for experimentation.
• Consent patients, collect, screen, and verify data relating to human subject’s research.
• Perform library and literature research.
• Assist with data management, visualization and analysis.
• May help author material for publications and participate in presentations with Principal Investigators (PIs) at meetings or conferences.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties related to the smooth day‑to‑day lab function may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s degree and 2 years of experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical or chemical engineering, biology, immunology, biotechnology or a related field plus 1 year of experience strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to follow instructions.
• Excellent communication skills, including with diverse audiences for recruitment and participant management efforts.
• The ability to understand research processes and knowledge of general research procedures.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrate expertise in troubleshooting problems and recommending solutions.

Anticipated Hiring Range and Employment Details

Salary: $19.23 – $26.44 per hour ($40,000 – $55,000 annually), commensurate with education and experience. This is a restricted position; continuation will be subject to the continued availability of funding and satisfactory performance. The position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is a full‑time benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

Physical Demands

Continues to spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments or caring for animals. Also requires keyboarding and other benchwork and animal procedures requiring fine finger manipulation.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.