Laboratory Research Professional, Department of Chemistry

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia seeks a Laboratory Research Professional (J1885) to support undergraduate evening chemistry labs in organic and general chemistry, with opportunities to assist upper-level biochemistry, analytical, and physical chemistry labs as needed.

The role involves maintaining equipment, preparing solutions, managing glassware, and guiding students under the supervision of three other lab coordinators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare chemistry instructional labs per course materials.
• Prepare chemical solutions including buffers and acid/base solutions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment (analytical instrumentation, balances, pH meters, ovens, centrifuges) and records.
• Manage glassware and consumables; stockroom duties and waste management.
• Provide general oversight during lab sessions and ensure safety practices.
• Train users in equipment operation and supervise lab assistants as needed.
• Attend weekly teaching assistant meetings and Crosstrain in introductory labs.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Windows

Job description

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia seeks a Laboratory Research Professional (J1885) to provide support for undergraduate laboratory courses conducted in the evenings. The primary responsibility will be supporting evening undergraduate labs in organic and general chemistry. This position will also support upper-level biochemistry, analytical chemistry and physical chemistry labs as needed. The individual will be joining a team of three other lab coordinators who will work together to cover all instruction labs as needed. For more information, please visit: https://chemistry.as.virginia.edu/

Responsibilities

• Prepare chemistry instructional labs per course materials.
• Prepare chemical solutions, including buffer solutions, acid/base solutions, and organic solutions.
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment including analytical instrumentation (GC/MS, LC/MS, FTIR, NMR, Microwave reactor, Plate Readers, UV/Vis spectrometers, Glovebox), balances, pH meters, ovens and centrifuges. Schedule and maintain maintenance records of equipment/facilities. May assemble, test, calibrate, clean, or make minor repairs to equipment
• Management of glassware and consumable lab supplies, including beakers, flasks, and other typical glassware.
• Prepare specialized equipment, apparatus and solutions for specific laboratory sessions.
• Cleanup activities following laboratory sessions
• Management and disposal of waste (including hazardous) materials following laboratory sessions.
• Stockroom duties to include glassware washing, chemical inventory control, general cleaning, waste management, and other duties as assigned.
• Provide general oversight during laboratory sessions.
• Monitor student compliance with good safety practices, including proper clothing (long sleeves, long pants, no exposed skin except for hands and face), lab coats, gloves and goggles.
• Maintain laboratory computers and projection equipment.
• Monitor for laboratory accidents and illnesses, including directing students to University Department of Student Health or other medical facilities as needed
• Provide feedback to instructional faculty in formulating instructional procedures, suggesting options for improving student success, and recommending solutions.
• Oversee day-to-day operation of instructional labs.
• Train users in equipment operation; explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, limitations, and outcomes.
• May oversee undergraduate instructional assistants and graduate teaching assistants during lab sessions.
• Attend weekly meetings of teaching assistants and/or other lab coordinators.
• Crosstrain in the preparation and operation of the introductory general chemistry and organic chemistry labs.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of a two-semester university-level course in introductory chemistry
• Successful completion of a two-semester university-level course in organic chemistry
• Ability to use Microsoft Windows software is a must
• Familiarity with a variety of instrumentation software packages is a plus

Physical Demands

These positions can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while preparing experiments.

Salary Range

• Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .
• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after September 7, 2026

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
• 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 .