Job Abstract

The Voss Laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Virginia is hiring a Lab and Research Technician 1-2 or a Laboratory Specialist, depending on qualifications and experience of the applicant.

The Voss lab studies both clinical samples from patients with autoimmune diseases and mouse models of those disease to understand how metal metabolism could be targeted to correct their immune responses. Using unbiased genetic CRISPR-Cas9 screening in immune cells such as T cells, we discover which metabolic genes are important for their survival and function while they attack healthy tissues. Our long-term goal is to use these basic discoveries to target those genes with drugs or immunotherapies to favor anti-inflammatory cells over inflammatory cells in these patients and improve their quality of life.

Autoimmune diseases under investigation in the Voss lab include:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Type 1 diabetes (T1D)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis

We are especially interested in iron metabolism of immune cells. Iron is essential to every cell in our body, but too much iron is toxic and can lead to a form of cell death called ferroptosis. It is not known how changes in iron metabolism in different people such as iron deficiency anemia or iron overload disorders could impact their immune systems.

This position represents an exciting opportunity for recent graduates seeking to gain research experience before applying to PhD, MD, or MD-PhD programs. Research Technicians and Specialists will have the opportunity to obtain authorship on manuscripts from the lab to which they contribute. Diverse applicants are encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibilities Include:

• Handling of patient blood samples and blood processing to cryopreserve research specimens.
• Maintaining excellent lab records using digital and traditional lab notebooks.
• Presenting research findings at lab meetings.
• Experimental work includes isolating immune cells from mouse or human samples, and sterile cell culture of those primary cells; analysis of cell populations using flow cytometry; isolation of protein and RNA for western blotting and RNA-sequencing; and generation of viral particles for CRISPR gene delivery.
• General lab duties include ordering and purchasing for the lab using the UVA Marketplace and tasks involved in overall laboratory maintenance, including maintaining organized mouse colony records.
• May be asked to perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Lab and Research Technician 1

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Experience: At least 1 year of lab experience, which may include student experience. Bachelor's degree will be considered in lieu of experience.

Lab and Research Technician 2

Education: Associate's degree

Experience: At least 2 years of lab experience which may include student experience.  Bachelor's degree in related science will be considered in lieu of experience.

Lab Specialist

Education: Bachelor's degree.

Experience: 3 years of experience. 6 years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous lab experience including basic molecular biology skills (PCR, cloning, bacterial culture, etc.), flow cytometry, & western blotting.
• Previous experience with mouse handling is preferred, but a willingness to work with mice is acceptable.
• Experience working with pancreas tissue is an asset for a Laboratory Specialist.
• Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member in a supportive atmosphere.
• Good communication and organizational skills.

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.  

This is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding and performance. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits.   

This position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.

TO APPLY

Please apply through Careers at UVA, and search for R0061886. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searchinFind Jobs'. Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV or Resume
• Cover letter

Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process Skill Survey during the final phase of the interview process. For questions about the application process, please contact Jeremy Brofft, Senior Recruiting Specialist at xmf9ad@virginia.edu.

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.

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, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.