Research Laboratory Specialist, Biology

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia’s Department of Biology seeks a Research Laboratory Specialist to work in Dr. Michael Timko’s lab.

The role focuses on plant functional genomics and synthetic biology, requiring a self‑directed, independent researcher skilled in molecular biology, cell culture, cloning, transformation, and gene expression analysis with PCR, qRT‑PCR, immunoblotting, and RNA‑seq. Candidates should have basic bioscience, chemistry, statistics and bioinformatics skills, with additional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, plant sciences or a related scientific discipline.
• Three or more years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Preferred: two or more years of laboratory experience beyond classroom work.
• Prior experience as a lab technician and supervisory experience.
• Proficiency in basic biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell culture techniques.
• Experience in gene cloning, gene transformation, and gene expression analysis.

Responsibilities

• Order laboratory reagents and maintain laboratory stocks.
• Schedule and maintain records of equipment and facilities maintenance.
• Assist in developing plans for research projects and discuss the interpretation of results.
• Provide written reports, keep data records, and assist in the preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication.
• Assist greenhouse staff with the maintenance of plant materials as needed.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Cloning

Transformation

Gene expression analysis

PCR

qRT-PCR

Immunoblotting

RNA-seq

Bioinformatics

Statistics

Biochemistry

Plant growth

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, plant sciences or related

Tools

PCR techniques

qRT-PCR protocols

RNA‑seq data analysis

Job description

The Department of Biology at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a Research Laboratory Specialist to work in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Timko. The role focuses on plant functional genomics and synthetic biology, requiring a self‑directed, independent researcher skilled in molecular biology, cell culture, cloning, transformation, and gene expression analysis with PCR, qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, and RNA‑seq. Candidates should also have basic bio/chemistry, statistical, and bioinformatics skills, with additional plant growth/cell culture experience preferred, and must be able to train and support undergraduate, graduate students, visiting scientists and scholars.

Responsibilities

• Order laboratory reagents and maintain laboratory stocks.
• Schedule and maintain records of equipment and facilities maintenance.
• Assist in developing plans for research projects and discuss the interpretation of results.
• Provide written reports, keep data records, and assist in the preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication.
• Assist greenhouse staff with the maintenance of plant materials as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, plant sciences or a related scientific discipline.
• Three or more years of relevant laboratory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of laboratory experience beyond classroom work.
• Prior experience as a lab technician and supervisory experience.
• Proficiency in basic biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell culture techniques.
• Experience in gene cloning, gene transformation, and gene expression analysis.

Physical Demands

This position involves extensive standing and squatting while conducting experiments or caring for plants, and requires keyboarding and other bench work that demands finer finger manipulation.

Salary Range

• The anticipated hiring range is $47,000–$49,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• Exempt-level, benefited position.
• Restricted position dependent on funding availability.
• Based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on‑site.

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.