Biology Lab Specialist Intermediate

The Department of Biology at the University of Virginia's College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, seeks applications for a full-time Lab Specialist Intermediate to be the Lab Research Coordinator to support the research of Dr. Tracy Larson. The Larson Lab studies mechanisms and limits of neural regeneration.

The Lab Specialist Intermediate will work directly with Dr. Larson to support research in the lab located in the Physical Life Sciences Building. They will assist with managing personnel and logistic organization for collection of wild animals from field sites, maintenance of animals and their facilities before, during and after experiments, and physical resources for experimentation. For more information, please visit: Homepage | Department of Biology.

Responsibilities

• Secure, order, and maintain all laboratory supplies and reagents
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of experimental equipment
• Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment, glassware, and work areas
• Maintain experimental cages and ensure proper animal housing conditions

• Collect, enter, and organize experimental and animal data using appropriate software systems
• Analyze experimental data and prepare reports

• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate student personnel
• Coordinate daily laboratory activities and student work schedules
• Oversee student involvement in animal care protocols and wet lab procedures
• Ensure all personnel follow proper safety and procedural guidelines
• Manage day-to-day laboratory administration and scheduling

• Process purchase orders and receive laboratory supplies
• Maintain inventory records and equipment logs
• Coordinate with purchasing departments and vendors
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to other research laboratories

• Share expertise in specialized techniques with collaborating research groups
• Participate in inter-laboratory method standardization and troubleshooting
• Maintain professional relationships with technical staff across multiple laboratories

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree.
• Experience: Four years of experience. Master's degree may substitute for required experience. Eight years of lab-related experience accepted in lieu of degree.
• Licensure: None Required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, isolation, PCR amplification, and DNA sequencing
• Experience with primer design and development for genetic analyses
• Competency in histological techniques, tissue sectioning, and preparation of microscopic specimens
• Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment operation and maintenance
• Experience with data collection software and statistical analysis programs (e.g., R, SPSS, Excel)
• Experience with large data management, ordering, budget management
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively incorporate feedback
• Experience with wildlife or avian species

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.

Salary Range

• The anticipated hiring range is $51,000-$60,000, 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.

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

Application review will begin after August 18, 2025.

• 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.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0074995. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching "Find Jobs."

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

• For questions about the position, please contact Tracy Larson, Assistant Professor, at tal8d@virginia.edu

• For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter at rkh6j@virginia.edu

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.