University of Virginia Looking for Lab Specialist, Department of Surgery Full Time

The Department of Surgery at the University of Virginia School of Medicine seeks a Lab Specialist to support research focused on vascular biology and physiology under the supervision of Dr. Bowen Wang, Assistant Professor of Surgery. The primary goal of the research team is to determine the therapeutic and mechanistic implications of dietary restrictions in vascular cell phenotype changes (e.g., smooth muscle and endothelial cells) and vascular diseases (e.g., aneurysm, restenosis, thrombosis). The team also investigates both the upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms that involve the following two emerging areas: protein post-translational modification (PTM) and gut microbiome.

Position Responsibilities:

Laboratory duties – Prior experience working independently in a cell/molecular biology laboratory is preferred but not required. Individual will independently perform various cell, molecular, and biochemical procedures such as RNA/DNA purification, protein assays, Western blot, agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and ELISAs. Prior experience with microscopy and the use of antibodies in immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy is preferred but not required. Routine laboratory duties include maintenance, organization, and inventory of all laboratory equipment and supplies.

Team environment – Individual should have prior experience working as part of a diverse team comprised of students, postdoctoral researchers, and Principal Investigators.

Animal work – Individual should have previous experience with rodent handling and mouse colony maintenance including inventory, breeding, genotyping, and post-operative care. Individual will independently maintain transgenic mouse colonies (>4 strains) and assist with surgical preparations for rodents including animal prep, surgical procedures, treatments, euthanasia, and tissue collection.

Cell culture – Prior experience with cell and tissue culture is not required but preferred. Individual will independently perform cell culture studies including experimental design and analysis as well as maintenance of frozen cells. These studies will involve the use of human and mouse cell lines as well as isolation of primary cells from human or mouse samples.

Computer – Individual should have experience with the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in the laboratory setting.

This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance. Review of applications will begin on April 12, 2022, but the position will remain open until filled.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree.
Experience: 3 years of experience. 6 years of experience accepted in lieu of degree.

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 finer finger manipulation.  

TO APPLY:
Please apply through Workday at the following URL, https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs, and search for requisition # R0034783. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile and search “Find Jobs,” and search for requisition # R0034783. Complete an application online and attach the following documents:

•     Cover letter
•     CV/resume 

The successful candidates will pass a criminal background check and pre-employment health screening. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Bowen Wang, Assistant Professor of Surgery, at [email protected].

For questions regarding the application process, please contact Michelle Williams, Senior Recruiter/Faculty Search Advisor, at [email protected].

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.