Lab Technician or Specialist, Lu Lab - Cell Biology

The Lu lab the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Virginia seeks a Lab Technician or Specialist (level depending on experience) to invesitgate molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying development of innner ear sensory hair cells and congenital deafness. The lab has a long-standing interest in how Wnt / Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signaling pathways and cell polarity proteins regulates hair cell cytoskeletal organization. We have developed a multidisciplinary approach using biochemistry in vitro , ex vivo organ culture, fluorescence live imaging and mouse genetics for mechanistic investigation of deafness and other common congenital birth defects such as neural tube defects (NTD). The Lu lab has multiple NIH-funded projects and fosters a respectful and supportive environment dedicated to research and education.

The new team member will work closely with Dr. Lu and other lab members. They will attend lab and project meetings weekly or more often as necessary. They will be trained and receive guidance and will be expected to interact professionally and collegially with all lab members including graduate and undergraduate students, treating all lab members with respect and consideration.

Duties and Responsibilites:

• Facilitate research of mouse models for hearing loss.
• Perform immunohistochemistry and cochlear explant assays, abr (auditory brainstem response) testing and maintenance of the mouse colony.
• Assist in molecular and cell biology experiments, including recombinant dna construction, in situ hybridization, cell culture, transfection, and viral-mediated transduction.
• Work with other team members to maintain mice/cells, carry out experiments, analyze data, as well as documenting and reporting on results to the group.
• Routine lab maintenance and administration tasks.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education & Experience: Associate's degree required plus 2 years of experience; Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of experience preferred.

Preferred Requirements:

• Possess excellent attention to detail and strong problem solving and record-keeping skills.
• Be a clear and honest communicator and be motivated to learn new laboratory skills and contribute to lab projects.
• Have knowledge of basic cell biology and biochemistry.
• Demonstrated experience working with mice and maintaining a mouse colonies.
• Some experience with biochemical or cell-based assays and molecular biology techniques such as PCR and in situ hybridization would be highly preferred.

Physical Demands: This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments. Also requires keyboarding and other bench work and experimental procedures requiring finer finger manipulation.

Anticipated Hiring Range (commensurate with education and experience):

• Lab Technician: $19 - $20/hour
• Lab Specialist $21 - $22/hour

Position Type & Work Location

• This is a full-time benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .
• This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.
• This position will NOT support visa sponsorship.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

Background checks and required health screening will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

How to Apply:

Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0084515 . Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume or CV
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not receive full consideration.


References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three are required.

For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, View email address on click.appcast.io .

About UVA and the Community

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Job Profile
J1883 - Laboratory Research Operations and Service 2

Career Stream and Level
Operations and Service-O2

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 .