Laboratory Research Operations Assistant

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 29,618; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct mentorship

Opportunities for authorship

Experience at conferences

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia is seeking a Laboratory Research Operations Assistant in Charlottesville, Virginia. The position involves supporting research in molecular biology, neuroscience, and animal behavior. Responsibilities include maintaining an animal breeding colony, conducting behavioral analyses, and assisting with lab management. Qualifications include a high school diploma and at least 1 year of lab experience. The role offers mentorship and opportunities for authorship on publications and grant writing efforts.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of laboratory experience, with a focus on molecular biology.
• Experience with animal handling, particularly rodent models.
• Background in behavioral analysis and surgical procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage a small animal breeding colony.
• Conduct behavioral observations and analyses.
• Support laboratory operations and training of undergraduate assistants.

Skills

Animal handling

Molecular biology techniques

Behavioral analysis

Cell culture

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline

Tools

Confocal microscopy

qPCR

Job description

The Connelly Laboratory at the University of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Laboratory Research Operations Assistant to join our interdisciplinary research team. This position is ideal for candidates interested in gaining hands‑on experience at the intersection of molecular biology, neuroscience, and animal behavior.

The Connelly Lab conducts cutting‑edge research in translational neuroepigenetics, with a focus on how DNA methylation and gene regulation shape brain development, behavior, and health across the lifespan. Our work integrates molecular biology, genomics, imaging and animal models to understand how early‑life experiences—particularly birth interventions—impact the oxytocin system in mothers and offspring.

We are a well‑funded, collaborative, and highly productive lab, offering opportunities for meaningful scientific contribution and professional development. Learn more at www.connellylab.com.

Position Overview

The Laboratory Research Operations Assistant will work closely with Professor Jessica Connelly and lab members to support both research execution and laboratory operations. This role combines molecular biology, imaging, and animal behavior research, and lab management, making it ideal for candidates seeking a broad and immersive research experience.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining an active animal colony, generating molecular data, collecting imaging data and supporting experimental workflows, while also contributing to the overall functioning of a dynamic research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage a small animal breeding colony, including daily husbandry
• Conduct and record behavioral observations and analyses
• Assist with small animal surgical procedures
• Perform tissue collection, processing, and biobanking
• Isolate and analyze DNA and RNA from tissues and cells
• Assist with cell culture and molecular biology workflows
• Assist with confocal and other imaging modalities, including neuroimaging
• Maintain accurate, detailed experimental records and ensure data quality
• Manage laboratory inventory, reagents, and supplies
• Ensure compliance with institutional animal care and safety protocols
• Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants
• Support general laboratory operations, including organization, maintenance, and workflow optimization
• Contribute to manuscripts, grant preparation, and scientific presentations
• Other duties as assigned

What We Offer

• Direct mentorship from the PI and senior scientists
• Opportunities for authorship on scientific publications
• Experience contributing to grant writing and experimental design
• Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences
• A collaborative, intellectually engaging lab environment

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least 1 year of laboratory experience (including undergraduate research); Bachelor's degree may substitute for experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline
• Experience with rodent models and animal handling
• Background in animal behavior analysis
• Experience with dissection and/or small animal surgery
• Familiarity with DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, or molecular biology techniques
• Experience with cell culture
• Experience with neuroimaging pipeline design and analysis

Salary range: $19.00-$21.50/hour (commensurate with 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 fine finger manipulation.

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.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

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.